Bangladesh's Interim Government Freezes NIDs of Former PM Hasina and Nine Relatives

Click to start listening
Bangladesh's Interim Government Freezes NIDs of Former PM Hasina and Nine Relatives

Synopsis

The Election Commission of Bangladesh has locked the National Identity Cards of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family, following internal directives. This decision aligns with ongoing investigations, raising questions about the legitimacy of their voter registrations.

Key Takeaways

  • The EC has locked NIDs of Hasina and her family.
  • Action taken based on internal directives.
  • NIDs are locked due to false information or ongoing investigations.
  • Bangladesh has requested a Red Notice from Interpol.
  • Hasina fled the country amid political turmoil.

Dhaka, April 21 (NationPress) The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has "locked" the National Identity Cards (NID) of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her nine family members. The National Identity Registration Wing under the EC took this measure against the 10 individuals following an internal directive, as reported by local media on Monday.

The officials from the EC stated that generally, NIDs are "locked" if a person registers as a voter using false information or if there is an ongoing investigation concerning the NID holder.

The decision to lock the NID cards of these 10 individuals was made based on a verbal instruction from ASM Humayn Kabir, the Director General of the National Identity Registration Wing, according to sources cited by the Bangladeshi media outlet UNB.

It remains unclear whether there was a direct order from the Election Commission Secretariat regarding this action.

"When an NID is locked, it cannot be utilized. Furthermore, if a voter has provided false information or if an investigation is underway about the NID, it remains locked until the process is concluded. Frequently, NIDs are locked at the request of VVIPs to prevent misuse. They can be unlocked upon their request," stated Mohammad Ashraf Hossain, System Manager of the NID Wing, as reported by BDnews 24.

Additionally, Bangladesh has solicited Interpol to issue a 'Red Notice' against former PM Hasina and 11 others in relation to a case alleging a conspiracy to overthrow the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

"These applications are made in connection with allegations that arise during investigations or through ongoing case proceedings," remarked Assistant Inspector General (Media) Enamul Haque Sagor while speaking to the leading Bangladeshi daily, The Dhaka Tribune.

If the 'Red Notice' is issued, it would allow law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally detain the accused individuals while pending extradition or other legal actions.

Daughter of Bangladesh's founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5 last year, following a significant student-led movement that resulted in the end of her 16-year rule under the Awami League.

While addressing Awami League supporters virtually in February, the ousted Prime Minister accused the Yunus-led interim government of transforming the country into an alleged hub of "terrorism" and "lawlessness".