The Bangladesh interim government is intensifying efforts to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several key figures back to the country under an extradition agreement with India. This development follows the actions of the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and other political leaders involved in crimes against humanity and genocide during her tenure.
Sheikh Hasina’s Fleeing to India and the Consequences
Sheikh Hasina, aged 77, fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, amidst widespread protests led by students that resulted in the downfall of her government, which had been in power for 16 years. The protests were sparked by demands for justice over political and social issues, culminating in the ousting of the Awami League administration. Following her departure, the Bangladesh ICT issued arrest warrants for Hasina, as well as for several former ministers, military officials, and advisers, accusing them of war crimes committed during her time in power.
Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, is actively working to secure the return of those who are under trial for these alleged crimes. In an interview with Bangladesh’s state-run news agency BSS, Chowdhury revealed that the government is focusing on the extradition of Sheikh Hasina and her allies, who are currently residing outside Bangladesh, particularly in India.
Extradition Efforts and Legal Challenges
In December 2024, Bangladesh formally requested the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, emphasizing her role in the mass killings linked to the Anti-Discrimination Student’s Movement, also known as the July-August uprising. This uprising, in which scores of lives were lost, is central to the charges against her and other leaders. The ICT has accused Hasina of involvement in enforced disappearances during her tenure as prime minister, with arrest warrants issued against her.
Chowdhury highlighted the difficulties involved in apprehending individuals who are outside Bangladesh’s borders, such as Hasina, who has been residing in India. “We are arresting those within the country, but the main individual (Hasina) is abroad. We cannot arrest those outside our borders,” he said. The government’s legal team is working diligently to facilitate Hasina’s return through diplomatic and legal channels, including utilizing the extradition treaty with India.
Interpol’s Role in the Extradition Process
Police chief Baharul Alam also addressed the issue, stating that Interpol is expected to issue red notices for the individuals wanted by the ICT. These red notices will request the arrest of these individuals in foreign countries, placing the responsibility on the host nations to carry out the arrests. Once a red notice is issued, it signals to countries worldwide that the person is wanted for serious crimes, triggering legal processes for extradition.
Revocation of Passports and Ongoing Legal Efforts
In addition to the diplomatic efforts for extradition, the interim government has taken further steps to ensure accountability. The government has revoked the passports of Sheikh Hasina and 96 other individuals accused of being involved in enforced disappearances and the killings that occurred during the July-August 2024 uprising. This revocation serves as another measure to restrict the movements of those accused of war crimes.
ICT’s Demand for Sheikh Hasina’s Appearance in Court
The ICT has set a court date for Sheikh Hasina to appear on February 12, 2025, to face charges related to the enforced disappearances that allegedly took place during her leadership. The tribunal, initially set up to prosecute those who collaborated with Pakistani forces during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, has broadened its scope to include alleged war crimes committed under the rule of successive Bangladeshi governments, including Hasina’s administration.
As the legal and diplomatic processes unfold, the Bangladesh interim government remains determined to bring Hasina and other accused individuals back to face trial. This marks a significant chapter in Bangladesh’s ongoing pursuit of justice for the victims of the political violence and human rights abuses associated with the 2024 student-led protests.
Acquittals and Developments in Bangladesh’s Legal Landscape
In a separate development, the High Court in Dhaka recently acquitted 47 individuals who had been convicted in connection with an attack on a train carrying Sheikh Hasina in 1994. This decision underscores the complexities of the legal landscape in Bangladesh, where political tensions and the long-standing influence of powerful political figures continue to shape the judicial process.
The Bangladesh interim government’s pursuit of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India highlights the growing political and legal tensions in the region. With the involvement of the International Crimes Tribunal and Interpol, the government aims to ensure justice for the victims of mass killings and political violence. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these legal battles will impact Bangladesh’s domestic politics and its relationship with neighboring India.
