Bangladesh’s newly appointed chief prosecutor for the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Mohammad Taijul Islam, announced on Sunday that steps will be taken to secure the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. The move aims to prosecute Hasina for alleged mass killings that occurred during the student-led protests in July and August.
In a press briefing at the ICT's headquarters in Dhaka, Islam revealed that an application will be filed with the tribunal to issue arrest warrants for Hasina and other absconding suspects once the tribunal resumes its activities. He highlighted the challenge of gathering and presenting evidence against the accused, noting the extensive task of compiling and examining documentation from across the country.
Islam also mentioned that the interim government will be consulted on potential legal amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act to accommodate new cases. The ICT and its investigation team are expected to be reconstituted with new appointments, as previous officials resigned following the formation of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
The ICT has initiated an investigation into Hasina and nine others on charges of "genocide" and "crimes against humanity" related to the suppression of the protests. According to interim Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, over 1,000 people were killed and hundreds injured during the unrest that led to Hasina's departure to India.