Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 08, 2025, 01:00 AM
Sheikh Hasina News: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is currently living in India, but the legal crisis looming over her has further complicated her situation. The interim government of Bangladesh has canceled the passports of 96 other individuals including Hasina. This action has been taken on the basis of allegations related to violence, deaths and forced disappearances during the uprising in the country in July 2024.Reason for passport cancellationAccording to Bangladeshi media reports, 22 of the canceled passports belong to persons who have been forcibly disappeared. Apart from this, Sheikh Hasina and 74 other persons have been accused of being involved in the violence and alleged deaths during the July uprising. These allegations have increased the difficulties of the former Prime Minister.Arrest warrant and serious allegationsThe International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued an arrest warrant against Hasina and 11 other persons. This warrant is based on allegations of crimes against humanity and genocide. The tribunal has set a deadline of February 12 for the arrest of all the accused. Justice Md Golam Murtuza Mozumdar, while stressing the seriousness of the investigation, has assigned the responsibility to the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the accused are presented in court.Second arrest warrantThis is the second arrest warrant received by Sheikh Hasina. The Awami League-led government collapsed in August 2024 after historic anti-government protests. Hasina moved to India soon after. But allegations of crimes against humanity and genocide during the widespread uprising in July and August 2024 further increased her legal difficulties.Situation tense in IndiaSheikh Hasina is currently taking political asylum in India, but her position has become very sensitive after the Bangladesh government canceled her passport and issued an arrest warrant. If she goes out of India, her arrest is considered certain.The way ahead is difficultThe current scenario is very challenging for Sheikh Hasina. The steps taken against her by the interim government of Bangladesh and the International Crimes Tribunal not only threaten her political career but also pose a serious risk to her personal liberty.Meanwhile, the role of the Indian government and the international community also becomes important. It remains to be seen what kind of diplomatic policy the Indian government adopts in this matter. Time is running out for Sheikh Hasina, and she has limited options left to defend herself.