Moderator VFD
DHAKA, Bangladesh — A special court in Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others, including key aides, on charges of crimes against humanity during a student-led uprising earlier this year, a prosecutor confirmed on Thursday.
Prosecutor B.M. Sultan Mahmud stated that the International Crimes Tribunal, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, accepted two petitions filed by the prosecution. Golam Mortuza Majumdar, the tribunal’s presiding judge, announced the decision in the presence of other judges.
“The tribunal first accepted our petition concerning Sheikh Hasina. We then submitted a second petition against 45 individuals, including her close aides, for crimes against humanity. Both petitions were approved,” Mahmud said.
The case centers on violent protests in July and August, sparked by demands for government job quota reforms. The unrest forced Hasina to flee to India on August 5 after hundreds were killed during clashes between protesters and security forces. Prosecutors allege that Hasina, her aides, and security agencies orchestrated the crackdown, resulting in the deaths of demonstrators and others.
The possibility of India honoring a request for Hasina’s extradition remains unclear. Chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam noted that authorities are prepared to seek Interpol’s assistance if necessary.
The interim government, led by Yunus, has committed to prosecuting those involved in the violence and has invited the United Nations to support investigations. In response, Hasina has called for an impartial inquiry, suggesting that some of the deaths may not have been caused solely by state forces and may involve other actors.
Published On: 10| News Portal: Voice of America| Source: Link
