International: The Bangladesh National Central Bureau (NCB) has officially requested Interpol issue a red notice for twelve individuals, most prominently including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
This move comes after a formal submission to the international policing organization, seeking their assistance in locating and potentially arresting these individuals.
Sheikh Hasina, who served as the head of the Awami League (AL) for a significant 16-year period, has been residing in India since August 5 of the previous year. Her departure from Bangladesh followed widespread student-led demonstrations that ultimately led to the collapse of her administration.
According to reports from The Daily Star, the NCB processes such requests based on formal appeals originating from the country’s courts, public prosecutors, or investigative agencies. Assistant Inspector General (Media) Enamul Haque Sagor confirmed this development at the Police Headquarters, stating that these applications are directly linked to allegations arising from ongoing investigations or active case proceedings.
A red notice issued by Interpol serves as a crucial tool for locating and provisionally detaining individuals who are wanted either for extradition or similar legal actions. Interpol’s role involves actively assisting in tracking the whereabouts of fugitives residing outside of Bangladesh. Once the location of an individual is confirmed, this information is then relayed to the relevant domestic authorities.
The backdrop to this development includes the installation of Muhammad Yunus as the Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8. Notably, weeks prior to this, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) had issued arrest warrants for Sheikh Hasina, along with several former cabinet ministers, advisers, and high-ranking military and civil officials, citing allegations of “crimes against humanity and genocide.”
Further solidifying the pursuit of these individuals, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of the ICT formally requested the Police Headquarters in November of last year to engage Interpol in the apprehension of Hasina and the other identified fugitives. This was followed by a public statement on January 21 from Bangladesh’s interim government, reiterating its commitment to securing the return of the deposed Prime Minister from India, indicating a willingness to seek international intervention if deemed necessary.
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