ACC steps up hunt for Hasina, family members

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has applied to the police for the issuance of Interpol Red Notices against 10 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently residing in India, as part of efforts to pursue several accused persons facing corruption-related investigations and cases.

The list also includes Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, business figure S. Alam and several former ministers.

According to ACC officials, the move is intended to facilitate international cooperation in locating and bringing the accused individuals before the courts. The commission has expressed its commitment to pursuing legal proceedings against those who remain outside the country.

The development has drawn renewed attention following reports that former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, who was already subject to an Interpol Red Notice, was arrested by Dubai Police on June 11.

ACC Public Relations Officer Tanzir Hasan said the commission had submitted applications to the police, under court directives, seeking Interpol Red Notices against the 10 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina and members of her family.

He explained that the applications would be processed through Police Headquarters before being forwarded to Interpol through the Ministry of Home Affairs.

However, legal experts note that the issuance of a Red Notice does not automatically result in arrest or extradition. Any effort to bring accused persons back to Bangladesh would depend on a range of factors, including the laws of the country where they are located, existing extradition arrangements, and Interpol’s own review procedures.

As the process moves forward, questions remain over how quickly the requests will be processed and whether the accused individuals can ultimately be returned to face legal proceedings in Bangladesh.