Bangladesh Seeks Trial Of Sheikh Hasina At International Criminal Court

Bangladesh is seeking the trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Criminal Court (ICC), as she faces charges for crimes against humanity in a domestic tribunal, according to the office of interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Thursday.

"The Chief Adviser Yunus discussed the issue of Hasina's trial with International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim A Khan who called on him at his official Jamuna residence," a press official from Yunus's office stated.

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Hasina sought refuge in India on August 5 after widespread protests against her Awami League government's controversial job quota system. Three days later, Nobel laureate Yunus became the chief adviser of the interim government.

In his meeting with Khan on Wednesday, Yunus expressed Bangladesh's intention to pursue charges against Hasina and her associates, particularly for the "massacre" during the July-August uprising and the forced disappearances that occurred during her 15 years in power.

The Internal Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) is currently handling numerous cases against Hasina and her cabinet members, with several either in prison or evading arrest both domestically and internationally. Dhaka has requested Interpol's assistance in securing her return from India.

The interim government has previously indicated its plan to seek Hasina's repatriation from India for trial.

The ICC prosecutor indicated the international court's willingness to support ICT-BD, which has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several senior members of the Awami League.

Their discussions also covered the Rohingya crisis, humanitarian aid provisions, Myanmar's situation, and accountability for atrocities during Bangladesh's July-August mass movement, according to the press release.

Khan informed Yunus that his office had officially requested an arrest warrant for Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing in relation to crimes against humanity concerning the treatment of the Rohingya.

(With PTI inputs)