Bangladesh Tribunal Issues Second Arrest Warrant Against Sheikh Hasina As Allegations Of Genocide, Disappearances, And Abductions Mount

The International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh on Monday (6 January) issued arrest warrants against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 11 others, including senior military generals and an former police chief, for their alleged involvement in incidents of enforced disappearances.

This marks the second arrest warrant against Hasina by the ICT, following her ousting during massive anti-government protests in August last year. "Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, chairman of the tribunal, issued the arrest warrant after hearing a prosecution plea," an ICT official stated.

The Inspector General of Police (IG) has been directed to arrest all 12 accused, including Hasina, and present them before the tribunal on 12 February. The prosecution is also expected to submit its investigation report on the same day if it is completed.

The case includes accusations against Hasina's former defence advisor, Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, currently in custody, and former IG of Police Benazir Ahmed, who is reportedly evading capture.

“Over the past 15 years, a culture of fear was established in Bangladesh through enforced disappearances and crossfires. Thousands of people were abducted by various forces, either in plainclothes or in uniform. Most of them never returned,” said prosecutor Islam while addressing reporters.

Last month, the Bangladeshi government formally sought Hasina’s extradition from India. While New Delhi acknowledged the request, it has refrained from commenting further.

The ICT issued its first arrest warrant against Hasina on 17 October 2024 for "genocide and crimes against humanity" linked to the violent protests last year. Following the Awami League's fall, over 60 cases of disappearances, killings, and crimes against humanity have been filed, implicating Hasina, her party leaders, and law enforcement officials.

A provisional report by a commission led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s interim government further alleges Hasina’s involvement in these disappearances, even suggesting India's potential role.