Bangladesh Police’s National Central Bureau (NCB) is preparing to send a new letter to Interpol seeking assistance in returning fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who were sentenced to death for crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising killings. The letter will include a copy of the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict.
Police sources said the letter will be sent immediately after receiving the official verdict copy. Previously, two letters were sent to Interpol requesting a red notice against Sheikh Hasina, but the agency sought clarification on the validity of issuing the notice.
Last Monday, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in three charges and life imprisonment in two others. Both were fugitives at the time of the verdict. Following the student-led uprising on 5 August 2024, Sheikh Hasina fled to India, and Kamal also sought refuge there.
Police Headquarters AIG (Media & PR) H.M. Shahadat Hossain stated that earlier attempts did not mention the sentence as the trial was ongoing. Now, following the verdict, the new letter will include information about their death sentences.
Sources note that although there is an extradition agreement between India and Bangladesh, bringing Sheikh Hasina back under this agreement could be challenging. Hence, the Interpol route is being emphasised. The Foreign Ministry is also taking separate initiatives.
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that a letter has already been sent to facilitate Sheikh Hasina’s return and additional letters will be issued if necessary. Police officials emphasised that this is not a political process but a legal initiative to repatriate a sentenced fugitive.
GLIVE/TSN