A court in Bangladesh has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since her ousting during a student-led uprising in August. The order, announced by Mohammad Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, requires Hasina to be produced in court by November 18.
During her 15 years in power, Hasina’s administration faced allegations of significant human rights violations, including the mass detention of political opponents and extrajudicial killings. Prosecutor Islam emphasized the gravity of the accusations, stating, “Sheikh Hasina was at the helm of those who committed massacres, killings and crimes against humanity [from] July to August,” labeling the court’s decision as a “remarkable day” for justice.
Since fleeing Bangladesh, Hasina has not appeared in public, with her last known location being a military airbase near New Delhi, India. Her continued presence in India has sparked anger among Bangladeshi officials, leading to Dhaka revoking her diplomatic passport. Bangladesh and India have a bilateral extradition treaty that could facilitate her return; however, the treaty includes a clause that may prevent extradition for offenses deemed to be of a “political character.”
Hasina was previously instrumental in establishing the International Crimes Tribunal in 2010, aimed at investigating atrocities committed during the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. However, the tribunal has faced criticism from the United Nations and various human rights organizations for its procedural flaws, leading many to perceive it as a tool for Hasina to suppress political dissent.
Currently, the court is examining multiple cases accusing Hasina of orchestrating what has been described as the “mass murder” of protesters during her tenure. The ongoing legal developments reflect deep political divisions in Bangladesh and raise concerns about accountability for human rights violations committed during Hasina’s rule.
As the situation unfolds, the implications for Bangladesh’s political landscape are significant. The issuance of the arrest warrant could further exacerbate tensions between the ruling party and opposition groups, potentially leading to a volatile atmosphere in the lead-up to upcoming elections. The international community is watching closely as the legal proceedings progress, with potential repercussions for Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations, particularly with India.
