Bangladesh has reportedly asked Interpol to issue a red notice against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 11 others over allegations of plotting to topple the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, according to international media.
The request, made by the Bangladesh Police Headquarters, is part of an ongoing probe into accusations of inciting civil unrest and attempting to overthrow the transitional regime, IANS reported.
According to The Dhaka Tribune, Assistant Inspector General (Media) Enamul Haque Sagor confirmed the move, saying such applications are filed based on findings from ongoing investigations or case proceedings.
A red notice from Interpol would allow international law enforcement to locate and temporarily detain the individuals until further legal steps, such as extradition, can be taken.
Sagor noted that Interpol is instrumental in tracking down fugitives abroad, and once their location is confirmed, it is shared with Interpol for further action. He added that the red notice request is currently under review.
The Daily Star reported that such steps are usually taken following appeals from the courts, prosecutors, or investigating bodies. In this case, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of the International Crimes Tribunal had urged police to involve Interpol in Hasina’s arrest back in November last year.
Hasina, who faces more than 100 cases, including those related to mass killings and corruption, left Bangladesh on August 5 last year following a massive student-led uprising that ended her 16-year tenure under the Awami League.
The former Prime Minister, daughter of Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is believed to have been living in India since her departure.
Many of her ex-ministers and senior party officials have either been detained or gone into hiding to avoid prosecution on grave charges, including crimes against humanity.
In a virtual address to Awami League supporters from India in February, Hasina accused the Yunus-led interim regime of turning Bangladesh into a center of “terrorism” and “anarchy.”
