Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Faces Arrest Warrant for “Crimes Against Humanity”
A court in Bangladesh has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on charges of “crimes against humanity.” The 77-year-old ex-leader fled to India in August after being ousted by a student-led uprising. The warrant requires Hasina to appear in court on November 18.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam accused Hasina of committing massacres and crimes against humanity during violent clashes in July. Hasina’s government faced protests over job quotas, which escalated into a wider rebellion. Student groups allege that her administration ordered a violent crackdown on protesters.
Hasina, who served as prime minister for 15 years, had a controversial rule marked by human rights abuses. Following her resignation and escape to India, Bangladesh’s interim government is led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, focused on restoring democratic institutions.
India and Bangladesh have an extradition treaty, but extradition can be refused for offenses of a “political character.” The outcome of Hasina’s case remains uncertain as the political turmoil in Bangladesh continues.