Staff Reporter :
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has submitted all necessary documents to Interpol, requesting the issuance of a Red Notice for the arrest of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam confirmed on Sunday, December 22, that the tribunal had issued an arrest warrant for Sheikh Hasina on October 17 and subsequently sent the required application to Interpol.
While the tribunal has formally initiated the process for a Red Notice, its prosecution wing has yet to receive confirmation of the notice’s issuance.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs or the Police Headquarters will disclose any information regarding the issuance of the notice,” Tajul Islam stated during a media briefing.
Earlier on Sunday, several newspapers reported that Interpol had issued a Red Notice against Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5 amid a mass student-led uprising.
However, conflicting statements have emerged, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the matter.
During the briefing, Tajul Islam expressed uncertainty over whether Interpol had issued the notice. Similarly, Additional Inspector General Enamul Haque of the Police Headquarters media wing stated, “We wrote a letter to Interpol requesting the issuance of a Red Notice for the arrest of Sheikh Hasina a few days ago.
However, we have yet to receive any notification regarding the issuance of the Red Notice.”
As of now, Interpol’s official website, which lists all active Red Notices, does not show any notice issued for Sheikh Hasina.
Currently, there are 6,656 public Red Notices in circulation globally, with only 63 pertaining to individuals from Bangladesh.
The issuance of a Red Notice by Interpol is a critical step in apprehending individuals wanted for serious crimes across international borders.
If issued, the notice would serve as an international alert for Sheikh Hasina’s arrest, facilitating her extradition to Bangladesh.
Tajul Islam emphasised the importance of procedural accuracy and transparency in the process.
“We have fulfilled our obligations by submitting the necessary documentation to Interpol. Now, it is up to the relevant authorities to act accordingly,” he said.
Sheikh Hasina, a prominent political figure and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, fled the country in August following escalating unrest led by student protests.
Her departure has sparked widespread speculation and polarized opinions regarding her political and legal standing.
The ICT’s move to seek a Red Notice underscores the tribunal’s intent to pursue legal action against her.
