Tajul Islam, the Chief Prosecutor announced today that a Bangladeshi court has issued a second arrest warrant for Sheikh Hasina, the exiled former leader, this time for her suspected involvement in enforced disappearances. Tajul Islam said the second warrant relates to enforced disappearances during her rule.
Hasina, 77, fled to her old ally, India, in August after being overthrown by a student-led revolution, and Dhaka has already issued an arrest warrant for her on allegations of crimes against humanity. The interim administration, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, assumed office on August 8 and has maintained a firm stance on bringing Hasina to justice.
Numerous human rights violations occurred throughout her 15-year term, including the extrajudicial executions and mass detentions of her political rivals.
Bangladeshi security forces are accused of kidnapping around 500 persons, some of whom were held for years in covert facilities. Since Hasina’s overthrow, victims have started to come out with harrowing stories of their experiences.
“The court issued a warrant against Sheikh Hasina and 11 others, including her military adviser, military personnel, and other law enforcement officials,” Islam told reporters.
In December, Bangladesh requested that India return Hasina to stand prosecution; Delhi declined to do so. According to Islam, the court desired to proceed with the trial.
The plea for extradition corresponds with strained relations between Bangladesh and India. Since Hasina’s overthrow, there have been numerous attacks in Bangladesh against minorities, especially Hindus, which have alarmed New Delhi.
