Bangladesh Police Requests Interpol Red Notice for Former PM Sheikh Hasina:

Bangladesh Police has requested Interpol to issue a red notice for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and eleven others. This came after accusations of attempting to usurp the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus. The red notice will serve the purpose of facilitating the provisional arrest of the said individuals when there is sufficient evidence to support criminal prosecution.

Case Background

Sheikh Hasina was forced to go in self-imposed exile on the 5th of August 2024, following the student uprising that deposed her as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh under the Awami League Party after 16 long years. She has since then been residing in India. Along with her exodus came the arrest of several of her party’s leaders from the public service, some of whom had law-suit fled the country to escape legal action facing serious charges.

The application for a red notice forwarded by the Police of Bangladesh, National Central Bureau(NCB), was made pursuant to the directions received from the legal officers who are attending to the ongoing investigations. The goal of creating a red notice in this case is to provide assistance in prosecuting the fugitives currently residing outside the borders of the country.

Developments In Law

The Tribunal (ICT) of International Crimes started operating on 8th August 2024 with Yunus as the Chief in charge, subsequently issuing red notice for the arrest of former prime ministers and ministers on the grounds of inhumanity and even genocide. So far, the authorities were obliged to approach Interpol to solicit support.

The Hasina family will be brought back to the nation by any means necessary, including international aid. This is one of the steps expected to be followed by the incoming administration to guarantee some sort of accountability.

The Importance of The Red Notice

While a red notice is certainly not a global arrest warrant, it is a call to attention for countries that are a part of Interpol regarding individuals who face prosecution for certain offenses. It is useful for tracking down and freezing the suspect’s movements until further formal legal action can be taken. With the red notice in hand, it would enable Bangladesh to actively participate in border cross legal processes against the prosecuted individuals.