Troubles Mount for Sheikh Hasina as Yunus Government Prepares ICC Case

Dhaka (The Uttam Hindu): Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s troubles are mounting as Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has announced plans to pursue charges against her at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Hasina is already facing prosecution in Bangladesh’s domestic tribunal for crimes against humanity.

According to an official from the Chief Advisor’s office, Yunus discussed the matter with ICC Prosecutor Karim A. Khan during a meeting at Jamuna Awas. The two leaders deliberated on the internal situation in Bangladesh, particularly the atrocities committed during the mass uprisings of July and August. Sheikh Hasina left for India on August 5 after widespread protests erupted over the controversial job quota system. Three days later, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed the role of chief advisor to the interim government. Yunus informed Khan that Bangladesh would seek legal action against Hasina and her associates on charges of genocide and forced disappearances.

Numerous cases are currently being heard against Hasina and her cabinet members at Bangladesh’s Internal Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD), with several of the accused either in custody or fleeing abroad. Dhaka has requested assistance from India’s Interpol to apprehend Hasina. However, ICC Prosecutor Khan assured Yunus that his office would cooperate with the ICT-BD, which has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and top leaders of her Awami League party.

During their meeting, the two also discussed the ongoing Rohingya crisis, the situation in Myanmar, and the need for accountability for the atrocities committed during the recent mass protests in Bangladesh. Khan revealed that his office had requested a formal arrest warrant against Myanmar's military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, for crimes against humanity in connection with the Rohingya crisis.