Efforts are reportedly underway to repatriate former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who sought refuge in India amid a mass uprising led by students and the public, using a prisoner exchange agreement, according to International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam.
On Monday (18 November), a hearing was held before a three-member tribunal chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar. During the proceedings, the tribunal inquired about Sheikh Hasina's whereabouts, to which the chief prosecutor responded that she had fled to India but efforts, involving Interpol and a prisoner extradition agreement, were being made to bring her back.
ICT subsequently directed the completion of the investigation into the July-August genocide case against the former prime minister within a month.
The chief prosecutor elaborated that, after assuming power, Sheikh Hasina was involved in crimes against humanity, beginning with the Pilkhana massacre.
He alleged that under her government, crimes against humanity reached their peak, highlighting incidents such as the blackout and subsequent massacre at Shapla Chattar involving Hefazat supporters.
He described her as the focal point of all such atrocities during the Awami League’s regime, with 13 key associates aiding her.
He further stated that, during her 15-year tenure, no crime against humanity was left untouched, asserting that these individuals aided in executing such acts.
The most recent example cited was the killing of over 1,500 people and injuries to more than 25,000 during the student-led protests in July and August, a campaign allegedly intended by Sheikh Hasina to extend her power through acts of mass violence.
Following the hearing, the tribunal ordered the arrest and imprisonment of 13 individuals identified as accomplices - former ministers Anisul Huq, Faruk Khan, Dr Dipu Moni, Shajahan Khan, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haq Inu, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Salman F Rahman, Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Golam Dastagir Gazi, retired justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, and former Home Secretary Jahangir Alam.
Earlier, at around 11am, hearings on charges against the 13 accused commenced, following their escort from the guardhouse to the courtroom at 10:50am
