Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ In a dramatic escalation of legal proceedings against former political leadership, Bangladesh has formally requested Interpol to issue a Red Notice for the arrest of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 11 others. The move signals a significant development in the country’s political and judicial landscape, as authorities intensify efforts to bring those accused of subverting the interim government to justice. The request, submitted by Bangladesh Police, seeks international assistance in locating and potentially detaining Hasina, who has been living in India since fleeing the country on August 5, 2024. Her departure followed a sweeping student-led uprising that brought an end to her 16-year rule. Authorities allege that Hasina played a key role in orchestrating civil unrest aimed at destabilising the interim administration led by Nobel laureate and economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Also read: From Sacred Scripture to Global Symbol: The Bhagavad Gita Gets UNESCO’s Nod
The Red Corner Notice, if approved, would act as a global alert to Interpol’s 195 member countries, urging them to identify, locate, and provisionally arrest the former leader. Although not an international arrest warrant, a Red Notice serves as a powerful tool in prompting law enforcement cooperation across borders in cases involving serious criminal charges. Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has already issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several former officials, accusing them of crimes including mass murder, corruption, and crimes against humanity. In total, over 100 cases have been filed against Hasina since her exit, encompassing a wide range of allegations from graft to genocide.
Also read: One Bridge, Two Nations: Will Modi’s Mega Project Finally Link India and Sri Lanka by Rail?
According to Enamul Haque Sagor, Assistant Inspector General (Media) at Police Headquarters, the request to Interpol follows substantial evidence gathered during an ongoing investigation. “These applications are filed in connection with allegations that surface during investigations or through proceedings already underway,” he said. In November 2024, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of the ICT had urged Bangladesh Police to seek Interpol’s assistance in apprehending those accused of destabilising the nation. The current request follows that recommendation, reinforcing the government’s intent to hold former regime members accountable.
Furthermore, the legal push has diplomatic dimensions as well. In December, Bangladesh formally submitted documents to India seeking Hasina’s extradition under the bilateral extradition treaty renewed in 2016. However, New Delhi has yet to respond. While the treaty allows for extradition of individuals charged with offenses punishable in both countries, legal and geopolitical experts suggest that India may resist the request due to concerns over political motivations and the potential for diplomatic fallout. Sheikh Hasina has so far refused to return to Bangladesh to face trial. Her continued presence in India, combined with India’s silence on the extradition request, has fueled speculation about the regional implications of her case.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s interim government continues its crackdown on former ruling party leaders. Several ex-ministers and high-ranking officials have already been detained or have left the country amid investigations into widespread human rights abuses and misuse of power during Hasina’s administration. The request for an Interpol Red Notice marks a new chapter in Bangladesh’s post-Hasina era, reflecting the government’s determination to enforce legal accountability and restore political order in a country still grappling with the aftermath of its recent upheaval.
