Bangladesh’s political landscape, a court in Dhaka has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country in August following her ousting by mass protests. The 77-year-old leader, who was at the helm of Bangladeshi politics for over two decades, now finds herself wanted by Bangladesh’s International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) for her alleged role in crimes against humanity during the violent demonstrations earlier this year.
Sheikh Hasina, a formidable figure in Bangladesh’s modern political history, is accused of having orchestrated a brutal crackdown on student-led protests that erupted over government job quotas. These demonstrations, which spiraled into a nationwide movement against Hasina’s government, resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people according to official figures. Now, the ICT has moved forward with charges, alleging that Hasina was instrumental in the “mass murder” of protesters, marking the bloodiest chapter in Bangladesh’s history since its war of independence in 1971.
Sheikh Hasina’s fall from power in August marked a dramatic end to one of the most enduring political careers in South Asia. Having ruled Bangladesh for more than 20 years across multiple terms, Hasina had established herself as both a dominant and divisive figure. Under her leadership, Bangladesh made significant strides in areas like economic development, infrastructure, and gender equality. Yet, critics often described her government as increasingly authoritarian, accusing her of stifling dissent, curbing press freedom, and using state institutions to consolidate power.
When protests began in July 2024, the initial spark was student frustration over government job quotas. However, the demonstrations quickly gained momentum, turning into widespread calls for Hasina’s resignation. The situation escalated rapidly as security forces were deployed to quell the unrest, and violent clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement. The death toll climbed as the government attempted to maintain control.
By August, it was clear that Hasina’s government could no longer contain the rising tide of opposition. Amid mounting pressure, both from within Bangladesh and from international bodies, Hasina fled to India, reportedly from a military airbase near Delhi. While initial reports suggested she sought temporary refuge, her stay in India has now stretched for months, raising questions about her future and India’s handling of the situation.
Bangladesh’s International Criminal Tribunal, initially established by Hasina’s government in 2010 to prosecute war crimes during the 1971 independence conflict, has now turned its attention to her. On Thursday, Mohammad Tajul Islam, the ICT’s chief prosecutor, told reporters that an arrest warrant had been issued for the former prime minister, along with 45 other individuals, many of whom are former government ministers who fled the country alongside her.
“The court has… ordered the arrest of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and to produce her in court on November 18,” Islam stated. He added, “Sheikh Hasina was at the helm of those who committed massacres, killings, and crimes against humanity in July to August.”
Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, has publicly defended his mother, asserting that she is willing to face trial. In a statement last month to Reuters, Wazed said, “My mother has done nothing wrong.”
The ICT’s investigation into Hasina’s role in the protests has sparked widespread debate both within Bangladesh and internationally. While many in Bangladesh, especially the families of those who lost their lives in the protests, have called for justice, others believe the tribunal’s actions are politically motivated, intended to settle scores with the former leader.
Hasina’s continued presence in India poses a significant diplomatic dilemma for both New Delhi and Dhaka. Although India and Bangladesh have a bilateral extradition treaty, which permits the transfer of criminals and fugitives between the two nations, there is a key clause that allows for the refusal of extradition if the offense is deemed to be of a “political character.”
This clause could be central to the future of Hasina’s case. India, which shares a complex and historically close relationship with Bangladesh, finds itself in a difficult position. On one hand, India has been a steadfast ally of Hasina’s government, with both countries cooperating closely on issues ranging from security to trade. On the other hand, supporting the new interim government in Bangladesh may require India to reconsider its stance on harboring Hasina.
Many in Bangladesh have expressed frustration with India’s decision to offer her refuge. The interim government in Dhaka, which came to power after Hasina’s ousting, has revoked her diplomatic passport and has been vocal in its demand for her return to face trial.
India, however, has yet to make a formal statement on its intentions regarding the extradition request. As political analysts speculate on India’s next move, it remains unclear whether Delhi will prioritize its long-standing relationship with Bangladesh or respect the international pressures for justice.
The legal actions taken against Hasina have opened up a broader discussion about her legacy. For over two decades, she was seen as a champion of Bangladesh’s development, presiding over economic growth that transformed the country into a lower-middle-income nation. Her policies on women’s rights, healthcare, and digital infrastructure were particularly lauded.
However, her administration’s authoritarian tendencies have long been a point of contention. Her government faced allegations of human rights abuses, media censorship, and persecution of political opponents. The ICT itself, originally founded under her leadership to investigate war crimes, became a controversial body. Critics accused her of using it to target her political adversaries rather than pursuing genuine justice for crimes committed during the 1971 war.
Under her tenure, opposition figures, including leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), were arrested, and press freedoms were significantly curtailed. Her reputation as an autocrat was solidified in 2018 when her party, the Awami League, won a heavily disputed general election that was marred by accusations of vote rigging.
For many, the 2024 protests were the culmination of years of pent-up frustration with Hasina’s authoritarian approach to governance. The large-scale demonstrations, which initially focused on job quotas, quickly morphed into an anti-government movement that drew in citizens from all walks of life. The bloodshed that followed only deepened the resentment against her.
As Bangladesh moves forward under an interim government, the country faces an uncertain political future. The arrest warrants for Hasina and her ministers mark the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political history, one that could see a significant reshuffling of power dynamics.
For Hasina, the charges of crimes against humanity may define her legacy, overshadowing the economic and social progress made during her time in office. Her legal battle, if it proceeds, will be closely watched both domestically and internationally, with significant implications for Bangladesh’s political stability.
Meanwhile, the international community remains divided on how to respond. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have previously criticized the ICT for its procedural shortcomings. Now, with the tribunal turning its focus to Hasina, some fear that the process may lack the transparency and fairness necessary for such a high-profile trial.
The arrest warrant for Sheikh Hasina marks a turning point in Bangladesh’s turbulent political journey. As the former prime minister faces charges for her alleged involvement in the violent suppression of protests, her flight to India adds another layer of complexity to the situation. With extradition talks likely to dominate diplomatic discussions between India and Bangladesh, the path forward remains uncertain.
For Bangladeshis, the events of 2024 have reopened old wounds and left the country grappling with the legacies of both its recent and historical struggles for democracy. Whether justice will be served remains to be seen, but for now, Sheikh Hasina’s fate hangs in the balance, as the world watches this unfolding political drama.
