Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued arrest warrants on Wednesday for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several senior security officials. The move comes after prosecutors filed two formal charges earlier that day.
The first charge lists Hasina, her security adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique and 15 other former top officials, including members of the Rapid Action Battalion, as responsible for five cases of enforced disappearances and torture carried out by the Task Force for Interrogation (TFI).
The second charge names 13 people – again including Hasina and Siddique – for alleged disappearances and abuse at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC).
Other names in the case include former directors of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), such as lieutenant generals and major generals, and Border Guard Bangladesh officer Lt Col Redwan Ahmed. They were accused of the Rampura killings that happened during last year’s July demonstrations.
These developments are part of a broader crackdown on Awami League leaders and supporters by the Muhammad Yunus‑led interim government that took power after the party was ousted in August 2024. Earlier this week, the ICT’s investigative arm opened a formal probe into the Awami League over alleged crimes against humanity during the July protests. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam confirmed that an investigation officer has already been appointed.
Political analysts say the cases against Hasina and her party are seen as a major political vendetta, filed on weak grounds shortly after the party’s removal from power. The ICT’s actions underscore the intense legal and political battles currently shaping Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
