Sheikh Hasina Faces Fresh Arrest Warrant As Bangladesh Pushes For Extradition From India

A Bangladesh court issued a second arrest warrant on Monday (6 January) for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile in India, for her alleged role in enforced disappearances during her tenure.

The 77-year-old leader, who was ousted in August following a student-led uprising, is already facing charges of crimes against humanity.

Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), confirmed that the latest warrant is related to enforced disappearances, with over 500 individuals reportedly abducted by security forces and detained in secret facilities during Hasina’s 15-year rule.

“The court issued a warrant against Sheikh Hasina and 11 others, including her military adviser, military personnel, and other law enforcement officials,” Islam said.

The interim government of Bangladesh is reportedly pushing for Hasina’s extradition and trial.

Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the Interim government's chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, emphasised during a press conference on Sunday that Hasina must face justice for "crimes against humanity."

"We will try our best. She must face the trial. I think pressure will build on. Our pressure will relentlessly be there," Alam stated.

Bangladesh formally requested Hasina’s extradition from India on 23 December through a note verbale, but Dhaka is still awaiting a response.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the receipt of the note but declined to comment further.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also visited Dhaka last month and held meetings with Bangladeshi officials, though no statements were made regarding Hasina’s extradition.

Alam also hinted at mobilising global support, stating, "Nobody wants to give space to a ‘killer’."

He further urged the Awami League to distance itself from Hasina, saying, “Students and millions of July uprising protesters have thrown Hasina and her ‘clan’ into the dustbin of history. Now, it is ordinary Awami League supporters’ turn to denounce one of history’s most corrupt and blood-thirsty dictators.”

Since Hasina’s government collapsed, dozens of her allies have been detained for their alleged involvement in a brutal crackdown that left more than 700 protesters dead.

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