The National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh Police has reportedly requested Interpol for a “red notice” against 12 people, including former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Daily Star claims that the Police Headquarters’ (PHQ) assistant inspector general (media) verified the findings, stating that the NCB branch submits these requests to Interpol in response to appeals from courts, public prosecutors, or investigative agencies.
He stated that these applications are submitted in relation to claims that surface during investigations or during current legal actions.
The officer was cited as stating that Interpol is crucial in locating fugitives who are living outside. In the meanwhile, Interpol uses a red notice to assist in locating and making a provisional arrest of people who are awaiting extradition or other legal proceedings.
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued arrest warrants for Hasina and a number of former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and military and civil officials for “crimes against humanity and genocide” a few weeks after Muhammad Yunus assumed his position as Chief Adviser of the Interim government on August 8.
The International Crimes Tribunal’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office publicly asked Police Headquarters to enlist Interpol’s help in apprehending Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives in November of last year.
On January 21, Bangladesh’s interim government said it will continue its efforts to bring deposed Hasina back from India and will seek international intervention if necessary.
Since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5 of last year after a large-scale student-led uprising overthrew her Awami League (AL) government, Hasina, 77, has been residing in India.
Since Hasina was forced to resign in August 2024 due to massive student-led protests organized by the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) movement, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim government.
Allegations of political repression, corruption, and authoritarianism fueled the protests, which ended with Hasina’s flight to India and the fall of her almost 16-year Awami League rule.
