Bangladesh’s Department of Immigration and Passports has annulled the passports of 97 people, citing alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and killings in July. The list includes former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Indian state owned DD News reported.

Among those targeted, 22 individuals are linked to enforced disappearances, while 75, including Sheikh Hasina, face accusations related to the killings, according to Bangladesh Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad. During Azad’s media briefing in Dhaka he refrained from sharing the names of the remaining individuals for what he described as investigative purposes.

On January 6, the country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued arrest warrants for 11 individuals. The accused include Sheikh Hasina, her former defence adviser Major General (Retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, and ex-Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed. These warrants pertain to cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances allegedly committed during the Awami League government’s 15-year rule.

Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, presiding over the tribunal, instructed authorities to apprehend the suspects and produce them before the court by February 12, 2025. This includes Major General (Dismissed) Ziaul Ahsan, who is currently incarcerated for other offences.

The tribunal has directed that he be formally shown as arrested in this case. Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam emphasised that the names of some accused would remain undisclosed to ensure the integrity of the investigation. So far, two legal cases have been filed against Sheikh Hasina in connection with these allegations although the former prime minister is still understood to be in self-imposed exile in India and is currently beyond Dhaka's legal reach.