Bangladesh Revokes Passport of Former PM Sheikh Hasina Over Genocide Allegations

BDBangladesh|

The interim government of Bangladesh has revoked the passport of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, citing her alleged involvement in killings and forced disappearances during last year's student protests. Along with Hasina, the passports of 96 other individuals were also annulled, as confirmed by Deputy Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

At a press conference, it was revealed that among the revoked passports, 22 were specifically linked to enforced disappearances, while 75, including Hasina's, were associated with violence during the protests. This action follows the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which has set a deadline of February 12 for the apprehension of Hasina and 11 others accused of enforced disappearances.

Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder, chairman of the ICT, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and has tasked the Inspector General of Police with ensuring the accused are brought before the tribunal. Hasina fled to India in August after being toppled during a student-led movement, which resulted in over 230 fatalities due to nationwide violence.

The ICT has filed multiple cases against Hasina, including charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, amidst reports of extensive human rights abuses during her 15-year rule. A government-commissioned report indicated that there were 1,676 complaints of enforced disappearances under her tenure, with many victims still unaccounted for.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina's Family Assets Frozen Amid Corruption Probe

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's residence in Dhanmondi, known as 'Sudhasadan', along with multiple family-owned properties and 124 bank accounts. The decision was made by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Ghalib in response to a request from the Anti-Corruption Commission, according to local reports. The properties seized include assets belonging to Hasina's son, Sajib Wazed Joy, her daughter, Saima Wazed Putul, and her sister, Sheikh Rehana. 'Sudhasadan' is notably named after Hasina's late husband, nuclear scientist MA Wazed Miah. These developments follow Hasina's flight to India after a mass student-led movement led to her ouster in August 2024. The interim government, spearheaded by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has since been established. The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry has expressed strong objections to Hasina's alleged incendiary statements made during her time in India, claiming they incite instability and hurt national sentiments.
BDBangladesh

Public Outcry Erupts After Death of Child Rape Victim in Bangladesh

Protests ignited across Bangladesh following the death of an eight-year-old girl who succumbed to injuries from a brutal rape incident, which occurred in Magura. Authorities reported that the girl was attacked at her sister's house between March 5 and 6. Her sister's 18-year-old husband, along with his family, has been arrested in connection with the crime. The child, who died on Thursday after suffering three cardiac arrests, was hospitalized for six days in critical condition. "I thought my daughter would survive," her mother lamented, expressing despair over the tragic loss. The girl's body was transported back to Magura via army helicopter, leading to fierce protest actions including the torched home of the alleged rapist. Thousands attended her Islamic funeral prayer, while additional protests, including a mock coffin demonstration by students at Dhaka University, called for expedited justice and clearer definitions in rape law. Legal advisor Asif Nazrul announced that the trial is set to commence within a week, emphasizing the need for rapid judicial proceedings in light of the recent surge in child rape cases in the country.
BDBangladesh

Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh Forced to Fight for Myanmar Military, Reports Reveal

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are facing a dire situation as militant groups reportedly force them to return to Myanmar to fight for the military accused of genocide against them, according to Sky News. The UN has classified the military's actions against the Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim minority, as genocide following an exodus of around 700,000 individuals in 2017 due to horrific violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State. Many of the refugees, including children, are being abducted at gunpoint from makeshift camps in Cox's Bazar. A 19-year-old identified as Jaker stated that he was taken by force last year along with others, adding that "many of our Rohingya boys... were killed in battle." The escalating violence in the camps has led to an alarming rise in recruits for both the military and ethnic armed groups like the Arakan Army, which is gaining control in Rakhine. While some, like Abu Zar, express willingness to fight for their own rights, many are coerced into service. Reports indicate that 3,000 to 5,000 Rohingya from Bangladesh have joined armed factions, and the situation remains profoundly hazardous for those in the camps.
BDBangladesh
All Bangladesh News ->