A Bangladeshi court has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in August after a nationwide student protest. Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal confirmed the warrant, mandating her court appearance on November 18. Hasina fled to India and has not been seen publicly since, last reported at a military airbase near New Delhi.
The charges against Hasina include crimes against humanity, with allegations of widespread human rights abuses during her 15-year tenure. Reports cite mass detentions and extrajudicial killings of political opponents. Islam stated that Hasina was central to the massacres and killings from July to August.
The court also issued an arrest warrant for Obaidul Quader, the former general secretary of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, along with 44 unnamed individuals. After Hasina’s regime fell, dozens of her allies were detained, accused of involvement in a police crackdown that resulted in over 700 deaths during the unrest. Former cabinet ministers and senior Awami League members were arrested, and her appointees were removed from the courts and the central bank.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Times of India: A Bangladeshi court issues an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile in India since August, amidst allegations of mass killings and crimes against humanity.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was an arrest warrant issued for Sheikh Hasina?
Sheikh Hasina faces charges of crimes against humanity, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings.
When is Sheikh Hasina supposed to appear in court?
She is mandated to appear in court on November 18.
Where is Sheikh Hasina currently?
She fled to India and was last seen at a military airbase near New Delhi.
Who else has an arrest warrant issued against them besides Sheikh Hasina?
An arrest warrant was also issued for Obaidul Quader and 44 unnamed individuals.
What happened to Hasina’s allies after her regime fell?
Dozens of Hasina’s allies were detained, and her appointees were removed from courts and the central bank.
