The reconstituted International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday ordered arrest of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former ministers Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan and 43 of their associates in connection with alleged crimes against humanity during the Student-people uprising in July and August.
The tribunal, comprising its chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder and members Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and retired district judge Md Mohitul Haq Anam Chowdhury, also posted for November 18 further orders on the matter.
It issued the warrants shortly after the formal opening of the judicial proceedings at about 11:30am.
The warrants came following two petitions 鈥� one against Hasina and the other against Quader and several former government officials, including police officers.
The three-judge panel signed the warrants for Hasina, who resigned and fled to India on August 5 amidst mass uprising, and 46 others in the evening.
Most of the accused, including Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, are in hiding.
Foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said that the government would take necessary measures to bring back Hasina as the tribunal issued a warrant for her arrest on charges of crimes against humanity during the July-August uprising.
鈥榃e have just come to know from the media reports that the ICT has issued arrest warrant against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina among others. We will take necessary measures to bring her back home,鈥� the adviser said while briefing journalists on current diplomatic issues at his office.
Responding to a question, the foreign adviser said an unofficial channel confirmed that Hasina was now staying in Delhi.
About the others, who have also fled the country and are now reportedly staying abroad to avoid arrests, he said that the government would try to locate them and take steps to bring them back also.聽
Hasina and a number of her aides fled the country after the fall of the Awami League regime amid the student-led mass uprising on August 5.
Law enforcement agencies have been ordered to arrest the accused individuals and present them before the tribunal without delay.
The prosecution, on the first day of the proceedings, pressed for the arrest of the 46 individuals citing their involvement in alleged atrocities linked to the crackdown on student protests.
鈥榃e have withheld the names of the other accused to preserve the integrity of the investigation and ensure successful arrests,鈥� said chief prosecutor Tajul Islam at a briefing.
The tribunal issued the warrants after determining that there was prima facie evidence of crimes against humanity involving Hasina and 45 others.
During the hearing, Tajul argued that principal accused Hasina was linked to crimes against humanity and enforced disappearance.
She has many associates embedded in various government positions, he argued.
Given her and her associates鈥� influence, there is a risk that they can destroy crucial evidence unless promptly arrested, he contended.
When Tajul mentioned that Hasina might attempt to flee, the tribunal chairman asked if the government had any information on her current whereabouts. Tajul replied in negative.
The court ordered that all accused be brought before it on November 18, marking the next phase of the legal proceedings. Prosecutors stressed the urgency of the arrests, warning that the influence and power of the accused could obstruct the investigation and intimidate victims.
Tajul Islam also condemned the ousted regime鈥檚 actions during the unrest, accusing it of transforming into a 鈥榤onster鈥� responsible for widespread atrocities against students and civilians.
The tribunal has so far received 39 complaints against Hasina, her cabinet members, and key allies on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, particularly in relation to the killings and enforced disappearances during the July-August uprising.
These criminal cases have surged since Hasina鈥檚 resignation and her flight to India on August 5. Additional cases, particularly those tied to the student-led protests, are currently under review by the tribunal.
The tribunal is also handling 26 cases involving atrocities during the 1971 War of Independence, filed during the previous Awami League rule.聽
Around 1,500 people were killed and more than 31,000 injured in the July-August uprising.
The interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus was formed on August 8.
