In a significant development in Bangladesh, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, issued arrest warrants for the nation’s deposed Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, along with several other individuals. The warrants are in connection with charges of crimes against humanity, specifically concerning alleged enforced disappearances that occurred during her Awami League regime.
A three-member ICT bench, presided over by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, formally acknowledged and took cognizance of the charges presented in two distinct cases. These cases accuse Ms. Hasina and 29 co-accused of orchestrating the detention, torture, and disappearance of political opponents. These alleged atrocities are said to have taken place at clandestine facilities managed by elite security agencies.
Following the recognition of these charges, the ICT proceeded to issue arrest warrants against Ms. Hasina and all others implicated. The court has set October 22 as the date for the accused to be presented before the tribunal.
This legal action follows Ms. Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh on August 5 of the previous year. Her resignation and subsequent flight to India came amidst widespread, unprecedented student-led protests that ultimately led to the downfall of her Awami League government.
The first of the two cases outlines five specific charges of crimes against humanity. These charges are directed at 13 individuals, including former Prime Minister Hasina and her erstwhile security and defense adviser, Tarique Ahmed Siddique. The allegations pertain to offenses purportedly committed at the Joint Interrogation Cell of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence.
The second case also involves Ms. Hasina, Mr. Siddique, and 15 other individuals. It details accusations related to the disappearance and torture of detainees within a secret detention center operated by the Rapid Action Battalion’s Task Force Interrogation unit. Here too, five charges of crimes against humanity have been formally filed by prosecutors.
The 78-year-old former leader, Ms. Hasina, now faces numerous legal challenges in Bangladesh since her ousting last year amidst the widespread student agitation that swept across the country.