Bangladesh’s 2nd arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina over enforced disappearances

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh issued arrest warrants against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 12 others on Monday in connection with a case of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during her tenure. The tribunal has set a deadline of February 12 for the accused, including Hasina, to be arrested and produced before it.

The order was issued during a hearing on Monday, January 6. Amongst the other accused are Major General (retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddique, who served as Hasina’s defence advisor; former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed; and former Director General of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC), Ziaul Ahsan.

This is the second case filed against the 77-year-old, who fled to India in August 2024, after she was toppled by a student-led revolution. Following the issuance of the warrant, ICT-Bangladesh has reportedly requested Interpol’s assistance in arresting Hasina. Additionally, Bangladesh has formally approached India, requesting her extradition.

This is a developing story. It will be updated.