International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka has granted investigators a one-month deadline to complete a probe into former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates, who face charges of crimes against humanity following a deadly mass uprising earlier this year.
Judge Golam Mortuza Majumdar, leading a three-member tribunal, set December 17 as the final date for investigators to submit their findings. This directive came during Monday’s hearing, where prosecutors sought additional time to gather evidence against Hasina and 45 is implicated in the case.
Hasina in Exile and Arrest Warrants Issued
Sheikh Hasina, ousted from office in August after weeks of violent protests, has been in self-imposed exile in India since August 5. tribunal issued arrest warrants on October 17 for Hasina and her close aides, including former ministers, advisers, and military officials, following accusations tied to deadly suppression of student-led demonstrations that escalated into a nationwide anti-government movement.
Authorities have so far arrested at least 20 suspects in connection with the case, with 13 of them appearing before the tribunal on Monday. Suspects were ordered to be held in jail pending further investigation, with six more expected to appear on Wednesday.
Efforts to Extradite Hasina
Prosecutors informed the tribunal of efforts to bring Hasina back to Bangladesh under an extradition treaty signed earlier with India. Chief Prosecutor Mohammed Tajul Islam also revealed that the government has sought assistance from Interpol to ensure her return.
Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, who took office after Hasina’s departure, reiterated the administration’s commitment to extraditing the former leader. “We will seek her extradition to face justice,” Yunus said in a televised address on Sunday.
Violent Uprising
charges against Hasina stem from a violent mass uprising in July and August, during which security forces reportedly killed hundreds of protesters. Initially sparked by dissatisfaction over government job quotas, unrest grew into a larger anti-government movement, culminating in the end of Hasina’s 15-year rule.
While Hasina herself called for an investigation into killings before her ouster, the tribunal now seeks to hold her accountable for alleged abuses committed under her administration.
Arrests and Hearings Continue
Among those arrested is a former law minister and a prominent businessman who served as Hasina’s private-sector adviser. Tribunal prosecutor B.M. Sultan Mahmud confirmed that one former cabinet minister remains in police custody for interrogation in a separate case.
The tribunal will continue to monitor police progress in arresting additional suspects. Interpol’s involvement may expedite the process, as international cooperation is sought to locate and detain the accused still at large.
Challenges Ahead
As the investigation unfolds, the tribunal’s work remains fraught with political and legal complexities. The interim government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, faces scrutiny over its ability to manage the nation’s political crisis and deliver justice.
December 17 deadline underscores the urgency of resolving one of Bangladesh’s most turbulent political episodes. For now, a nation awaits the tribunal’s findings, which could have profound implications for Bangladesh’s political landscape and its pursuit of accountability.
