Chicago – October 17, 2024
A Bangladeshi court has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who left for India in August after being forced out of office by mass protests.
Hasina is now wanted by Bangladesh’s International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) for her alleged role in “crimes against humanity” during the protests, where hundreds of people lost their lives. Hasina led Bangladesh for over 20 years and was known for her strict rule, often silencing those who disagreed.
Warrants have also been issued for 45 other former officials who fled the country. ICT chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said, “The court has ordered the arrest of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and that she be brought to court on November 18.”
In August, the health ministry reported that more than 1,000 people died during this summer’s violent protests, which began with students rallying against government job quotas.
This unrest was the deadliest in Bangladesh since its 1971 independence. Hasina, 77, has not publicly appeared since leaving for India.
