The International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others, including Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, as part of the ongoing trial proceedings related to the July-August genocide during the recent mass upsurge.
Prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud confirmed that two petitions were submitted to the tribunal earlier today, one seeking Sheikh Hasina's arrest and another calling for the arrest of 45 additional individuals.
"We have refrained from disclosing the names of the other accused to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure the success of arrests," explained Chief Prosecutor Advocate Tajul Islam during a briefing.
The court has ordered all accused to be produced before it on November 18, setting the stage for the next phase of the legal process. Prosecutors emphasized the urgency of the arrests, citing the influence and power of the accused, which could hinder the investigation and silence the victims.
He also highlighted the brutality of the former government during the unrest, alleging that it had evolved into a "monster," responsible for atrocities against students and civilians.