A Bangladeshi court has issued a second arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile in India.
This new warrant accuses Hasina, 77, of being involved in enforced disappearances during her time in power. Hasina, who was overthrown in August after a student-led revolution, already faces charges of crimes against humanity for her 15-year rule, including human rights violations like mass detentions and killings of political opponents.
The latest arrest warrant, according to chief prosecutor Tajul Islam, is related to the forced disappearances of more than 500 people by security forces under Hasina’s government. Some of these people were allegedly kept in secret prisons for years. Many victims have come forward with shocking accounts of their experiences since Hasina’s fall from power.
The court’s warrant also includes 11 others, including Hasina’s military advisor and various military and law enforcement officials.
In December, Bangladesh requested India to send Hasina back to stand trial, but India has not responded. The prosecutor emphasized that the trial will follow due process and ensure fairness.
Since Hasina’s ouster, dozens of her supporters have been arrested for their involvement in a violent crackdown that killed over 700 people during the unrest.