Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered the arrest of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 senior leaders of the Awami League, citing their alleged roles in crimes against humanity during the student-led protests against her government in July and August. The tribunal, presided over by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, instructed authorities to ensure Hasina and the other defendants appear in court by 18 November, according to chief prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam, ANI reported.

The development follows only after a day when the interim government of Bangladesh cancelled national holidays previously instated by Hasina and Awami League.

Prominent individuals facing charges include former ministers Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Hasan Mahmud, and Anisul Huq. The warrants follow arbitration over 60 complaints alleging severe crimes, including genocide, against Hasina and her associates. Investigations are currently being managed by the ICT’s agency and prosecution team. The ICT has also reportedly sought help from Interpol to locate and extradite persons of interest, including Hasina, who is thought to be in India. Bangladesh’s interim government, led by foreign affairs advisor Mohammed Touhid Hossain, acknowledged that pursuing her extradition could present diplomatic challenges, especially considering her current stay in India.

Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister on 5 August, fleeing to India amid growing unrest over a contentious government job quota system. After her departure, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of a caretaker government. Reports indicate Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, based in Washington, has suggested she might consider retirement, potentially splitting her time among family members. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that Hasina arrived in India at short notice on 5 August and continues to remain there. Although speculation has arisen over potential asylum requests, Jaishankar clarified that no such requests have been made, despite rumours about refusals from the UK and the US.

Bangladesh signed an extradition treaty with India in 2013, which was amended in 2016 to streamline the transfer of fugitives between the two countries. Under the treaty, offences like murder and terrorism, which do not qualify as political crimes, can lead to extradition. However, India retains the discretion to reject requests if it deems the charges politically motivated or lacking in good faith, which could complicate the tribunal’s pursuit of Hasina.

The situation presents a diplomatic quandary for India, as Hasina has been a longstanding ally of New Delhi. Security experts believe India’s decision will weigh the potential impact on bilateral relations with Bangladesh’s new administration, particularly given the strategic importance of maintaining strong ties with Dhaka.

Furthermore the internal stability situation in Bangladesh also continues to deteriorate. Since Muhammad Yunus took over as the head of the interim government, there have been increasing reports of violence and discrimination against minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. Several human rights organisations have documented a series of attacks on Hindu temples, homes, and businesses across the country, raising concerns about the safety and security of minorities under the new administration. Activists claim that the violence appears to be systematic, with Hindu-owned properties being targeted for arson and vandalism.

During the annual Durga Puja celebrations in October, a festival widely celebrated by Hindus, multiple incidents of vandalism were reported across Dhaka, Chattogram, and smaller towns. Rights groups allege that local authorities were slow to respond, and in some cases, even complicit in allowing the mobs to act unchecked. Reports indicate that over 200 homes and businesses were damaged during these attacks, with community leaders calling for immediate intervention from the interim government.