DHAKA: Bangladesh’s newly-appointed chief prosecutor said on Sunday that the government will seek the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial on charges related to mass killings during recent student-led protests.
Hasina, who resigned and fled to India on August 5 amid unprecedented anti-government demonstrations, is accused of orchestrating or failing to prevent the mass killings that occurred during the unrest in July and August.
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh is set to spearhead the legal process against Hasina, aiming to bring her back to stand trial for these severe charges.
Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam of the ICT stated that Bangladesh will use the existing extradition treaty with India to pursue Hasina’s return.
“We will file an application with the International Crimes Tribunal, when it resumes functions, to issue arrest warrants against all the accused including Sheikh Hasina in connection with the cases filed for mass killing and crimes against humanity,” Islam said at a press briefing in Dhaka.
The tribunal will need to take several steps before proceeding with the case, including consulting with the government on potential amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act. This will ensure that the new cases against Hasina and others can be adequately addressed under the current legal framework.
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus following Hasina’s ousting, reported that over 1,000 people were killed and hundreds injured during the protests against Hasina’s government. The ICT’s investigation, which commenced last month, is focused on accusations of genocide and crimes against humanity that allegedly occurred during the protests from July 15 to August 5.
Islam noted that the ICT will need to be reconstituted with new judges and investigators. The previous judges, prosecution team, and investigation agency appointed by the former government have all resigned following the formation of the interim government.
