Sheikh Hasina News / Sheikh Hasina gets ultimatum, surrender by June 24... Tribunal's order

Sheikh Hasina News: The clouds of crisis are deepening on former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladesh International Criminal Tribunal has given her a final order to appear in court on June 24. Cases are pending against her under serious sections like crimes against humanity, murder and genocide during the student uprising in July 2024.

According to the tribunal, Sheikh Hasina is accused of conspiring with the then Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun to open fire on peacefully protesting students. Dozens of students lost their lives in this firing and the incident caused political turmoil across Bangladesh. Abdullah Al-Mamun has been arrested and produced before the tribunal, while the remaining two leaders are still absconding.

Accused of taking refuge in India

According to the prosecution, Sheikh Hasina is currently taking refuge in India, where she has allegedly sought political asylum in West Bengal. Bangladesh Police conducted a search operation at several places including Hasina's residence in Dhaka, but no clue was found. The location of Asaduzzaman Khan is also said to be unknown.

Given the seriousness of the matter, the tribunal has appointed an amicus curiae, who will help keep the legal process balanced and fair. The court has warned that if both the accused do not appear by June 24, the hearing will be proceeded in their absence.

Contempt of court and new case

A new case of contempt of court has also been registered against Sheikh Hasina. She is accused of deliberately avoiding the judicial process, thereby challenging the rule of law.

Change of power and action against Awami League

After the change of power in early 2025, the reins of the country came into the hands of Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohammad Yunus. As soon as the Yunus government came, it started action against the leaders of the previous government and Awami League. The Awami League was banned and hundreds of its activists and leaders were arrested. Many of these leaders have fled the country to India.

Demand for extradition from India

The Bangladesh government has increased pressure on India to extradite Sheikh Hasina. However, there has been no official response from the Indian government so far. If Hasina is granted asylum in India, the matter could further increase diplomatic complications between the two countries.

Steps towards justice or the basis of political revenge?

There are differences in the country and abroad regarding the ongoing legal action against Sheikh Hasina. Some consider it a strengthening of the judicial process, while others are calling it a revenge action after the change of power.