A Red Notice has been requested for Sheikh Hasina and eleven additional individuals.

 A Red Notice has been requested for Sheikh Hasina and eleven additional individuals.

                                                    Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader

In a significant development following the mass uprising that led to the removal of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in July, the National Central Bureau (NCB) of police has officially sought Interpol's assistance in issuing Red Notices for 12 prominent individuals. This action represents a notable intensification of the legal proceedings in Bangladesh after the revolution.

The individuals named in the request include several key political figures, such as Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan, A K M Mozammel Haque, Hasan Mahmud, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Nasrul Hamid, Mohammad Ali Arafat, and former police chief Benazir Ahmed.

The allegations against these individuals differ: Benazir Ahmed faces accusations of financial misconduct, while the others are charged with crimes against humanity. The request for a Red Notice for Sheikh Hasina was submitted in November 2024, followed by Benazir's in February 2025, and the remaining ten were added on April 10, 2025.

Officials have indicated that three distinct applications were submitted to Interpol. However, none of the individuals have yet appeared in Interpol’s public Red Notice database. Authorities note that cases involving political figures are subject to heightened scrutiny, which can result in delays. Benazir’s financial case may progress more swiftly through Interpol’s processes.

Currently, Sheikh Hasina is facing three active cases in the International Crimes Tribunal, one of which includes allegations of crimes against humanity. Investigations are reportedly nearing completion, with a report expected to be submitted tomorrow.

She is believed to be residing in India, and the Bangladeshi government has formally requested her extradition under the existing bilateral agreement. However, potential complications may arise due to the possibility of the accused holding foreign citizenship or permanent residency, as well as lobbying efforts by supporters of the Awami League abroad.

It is essential to understand that an Interpol Red Notice does not constitute an international arrest warrant. Nevertheless, it has the potential to result in the apprehension of individuals while they are traveling internationally, thereby serving as an effective mechanism for restricting the movement of those accused of crimes across national boundaries.

As the legal and political environment in Bangladesh evolves, there is significant attention on the reactions of international law enforcement and the implications these responses may have for the country's future.