According to a media report on Saturday, the National Central Bureau (NCB) of the Bangladesh Police has requested a red notice against 12 people, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, from Interpol.
Hasina, 77, has been in India since August 5 of last year, when she left Bangladesh after a large-scale student-led demonstration overthrew the 16-year government of her Awami League (AL).
The Daily Star quoted assistant inspector general (media) Enamul Haque Sagor as saying that the NCB handles such requests in response to appeals from courts, public prosecutors, or investigative agencies.
Confirming the development, Sagor said at the Police Headquarters: “These applications are filed in connection with allegations that emerge during investigations or through ongoing case proceedings.” A red notice is used by Interpol to help locate and provisionally arrest individuals pending extradition or similar legal action. Interpol assists in tracking the whereabouts of fugitives living abroad, and once confirmed, the information is shared with relevant authorities, the newspaper said.
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 the position of Chief Adviser of the Interim government on August 8.
The ICT’s Chief Prosecutor’s Office publicly requested in November of last year that Police Headquarters enlist Interpol’s assistance in apprehending Hasina and other fugitives.
The interim administration of Bangladesh announced on January 21 that it will keep working to repatriate ousted Hasina from India and, if required, will go to the international community for assistance.
