A court in Bangladesh issues arrest warrants against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity

The Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, citing her alleged involvement in mass killings during violent protests earlier this year.

The protests, which began as a student-led movement against public sector employment quotas, escalated into some of the deadliest unrest since the country’s independence in 1971, leaving over 700 dead and scores injured.

The violence eventually forced Ms. Hasina to flee to India on August 5, and an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus took over.

In the proceedings of the tribunal presided over by Judge Golam Mortuza Majumdar, prosecutors sought arrest warrants against 50 people, including Ms. Hasina.

“I have appealed to the court that if the defendants, who are extremely influential, are not arrested, it will be impossible to carry out the investigation,” said chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam.

So far, more than 60 complaints have been filed against Ms. Hasina and other leaders of her Awami League party, alleging enforced disappearances, murder and mass killings.

Awami League party leaders were not immediately available for comment as many senior members were either arrested or have gone into hiding.

However, Ms Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, told Reuters last month that his mother was ready to face trial in Bangladesh, adding: “My mother has done nothing wrong.”

It is not clear whether India will respond to a request from Bangladesh to extradite Ms. Hasina under a reciprocal treaty.

The tribunal’s chief prosecutor, Muhammad Tajul Islam, had previously said they would seek Interpol’s help if necessary to get Hasina back.

Reuters/AP