The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today (October 17) issued an arrest warrant for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina over mass killings during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in July and August. 

The tribunal also asked to produce her by November 18 this year.

The tribunal issued the warrant following the formal commencement of the judicial proceedings.

The International Crimes Tribunal’s proceedings began shortly after 11:30am, led by the bench of Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, chairman of the International Crimes Tribunal.

On the first day, the prosecution team of the tribunal requested arrest warrants for 50 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina.

More than 60 complaints of enforced disappearance, murder and mass killings have been filed till now at the ICT against Hasina, other leaders of her Awami League party and the 14-party alliance, journalists and former top officials of law enforcement agencies.

Sheikh Hasina fled to neighboring India, ending her 15-year rule and prompting jubilation on the streets of Dhaka as crowds stormed her official residence, smashing walls and looting its contents.

The country’s parliament was dissolved, and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is now heading a caretaker government.

BDST: 1312 HRS, OCT 17, 2024
MN/SMS