The Chief Prosecutor’s Office of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sent a letter to Interpol on Sunday, seeking red alert for the arrest of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina on charges of crimes against humanity.
ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam confirmed the matter to reporters on Tuesday. He said a letter has been sent to Interpol through Inspector General of Police (IGP) seeking red alert for Sheikh Hasina’s arrest.
In his statement, Tajul Islam clarified the basis for the request, saying, “Sheikh Hasina, once the prime minister of Bangladesh, is currently out of the country and accused in cases over crimes against humanity. We have sent a request from the Office of the Chief Prosecutor to the system that Interpol has as per international law.”
“Sheikh Hasina is facing allegations of organising acts amounting to crimes against humanity. An arrest warrant is already in effect against her. But she is outside Bangladesh, so we believe it is essential for Interpol to act. We have officially requested a red notice for her arrest to ensure accountability,” he said.
In response to questions about the process to send the appeal to Interpol, the ICT Chief Prosecutor explained that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is responsible for transmitting the request to Interpol.
He clarified that although the Chief Prosecutor’s Office initiated the communication with Interpol directly, further actions would be
channelled through the IGP's office to expedite international cooperation.
On 10 November, Law Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul said red notice would be issued soon through Interpol against the fugitive accused, including Sheikh Hasina, in the July-August killing.
He also said that fugitive fascist elements, regardless of where they are in the world, will be arrested and brought to justice.
Asif Nazrul assured that the government would put in its maximum efforts to ensure that these fugitive accused return to face trial.
He alleged that Awami League lodged baseless complaints against the government to the International Crimes Tribunal in the Netherlands’ Hague to tarnish the image of the country.
Earlier on 17 October, a three-member ICT bench led by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumdar issued warrants for arrest of 46 accused, including Sheikh Hasina and former minister Obaidul Quader, in separate cases.
Sheikh Hasina faces a total of 233 cases, including 202 for murder, 16 for crimes against humanity, three for kidnapping, 11 for attempt to murder and one for alleged attack on a BNP rally.
The ICT was reconstituted on October 14, which appointed High Court Judge Golam Mortuza Majumdar as tribunal chairman alongside Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members. Prior to this, prosecution and investigation agencies, including the Chief Prosecutor, were appointed to the ICT.
