The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued an arrest warrant against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 10 others, including her former Defence Adviser Major General (retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, according to a report by the Daily Star newspaper in Bangladesh.

Advertisment

The warrants relate to two cases involving allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The orders were issued by the tribunal, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, following two petitions filed by the prosecution seeking the arrest of 11 individuals.

In its directive, the tribunal has ordered the authorities to arrest and produce Sheikh Hasina and others before it by February 12, the Daily Star reported. Notably, Sheikh Hasina, 77, has been living in India since August 5, after fleeing Bangladesh following a massive student-led protest that toppled her 16-year regime. 

Also Read | Justin Trudeau resigns as Canada Prime Minister, Liberal Party leader citing ‘internal battles’

Advertisment

Hasina is currently facing multiple court cases related to fatalities during her rule, including accusations of crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that India received the request from Dhaka for extradition of Sheikh Hasina. 

"We confirm that we have received a request from the Bangladeshi side on Hasina's extradition. Beyond that, I have nothing further to add," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said in the weekly briefing.

The confirmation came after Bangladesh's interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, sent a diplomatic note to India's Foreign Ministry requesting Hasina's extradition. 

Advertisment

Earlier in October, the ICT had issued arrest warrants against Hasina and 45 other top Awami League leaders, including former ministers and officials.

Also Read | After Germany, France accuses Elon Musk of 'direct intervention' in elections; Norway PM terms it 'worrying'

The arrest warrant was issued in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising. ICT, led by its chairman, Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, passed the orders.

Over 60 complaints of crimes against humanity and genocide were filed against former PM Hasina and many of her party members with the ICT investigation agency.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.