Sheikh Hasina Faces Arrest Warrant Issued by Tribunal in Bangladesh
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Dhaka, Jan 6 (NationPress) A special tribunal in the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, has mandated an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 11 additional individuals linked to incidents of enforced disappearances.
The two-member International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD), presided over by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, issued the warrant on Monday in Dhaka.
In a twist of fate, the tribunal was formed by the government led by Sheikh Hasina under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to ensure the detection, prosecution, and punishment of those accountable for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other violations of International Law that took place during the 1971 Liberation War in Bangladesh, committed by the Pakistani Army along with their local supporters.
Among the other accused are Hasina's former Defence Advisor, Major General (retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, and the former Inspector General of Bangladesh Police, Benazir Ahmed.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam informed the press that they have sought arrest warrants for a total of 12 individuals in connection with a case of enforced disappearances.
"Among them, dismissed Major General Ziaul Ahsan has been ordered to be produced as he is already incarcerated. Warrants have been issued for 11 others," he stated.
The prosecutor mentioned that the next hearing in this matter is scheduled for February 12, according to Xinhua news agency.
A prominent figure in the fight to restore democracy in the nation, Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had to flee the country in a humiliating manner and sought refuge in India on August 5 of this year.
Last month, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs dispatched a diplomatic note to New Delhi requesting the return of Hasina to Dhaka.
Subsequently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed receipt of the extradition request for the ousted former Prime Minister from Dhaka.
With Bangladesh experiencing a rise in extremist sentiments, escalating violence, and provocations, particularly against the Hindu community since the formation of an interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, Hasina has vehemently condemned the "tortures" inflicted on ordinary citizens, especially minorities, over recent months.
"A leading figure of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly detained; he must be released immediately," stated the Bangladesh Awami League (AL) President following the arrest and incarceration of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote and associated with Iskcon Bangladesh.
"A temple has been set ablaze in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries, and homes belonging to the Ahmadiyya community have been attacked, vandalized, looted, and set on fire. Religious freedom and the safety of all communities' lives and properties must be guaranteed," Hasina declared.
"Following the murders of countless Awami League leaders, activists, students, and law enforcement members, harassment continues through assaults and detentions. I strongly condemn and protest against these anarchist actions," she added.
