United News of Bangladesh

The government on Monday reiterated that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina would be taken into custody if she surrenders, as efforts continue to secure her extradition to Bangladesh. "If she surrenders, the existing law will be followed. She will have to go to jail. The law will take its own course," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Shama Obaed said Hasina's recent remarks from abroad appear intended to encourage Awami League leaders and activists who have either gone into hiding or fled the country. "I see no other reason," she said. She said Hasina has already been convicted and that the decision on where and when she surrenders rests entirely with her. Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite Hasina under the bilateral extradition treaty. Wherever she surrenders - whether in India or Bangladesh - she will have to go to jail first, Shama Obaed said, adding that the government has no reason to respond to statements made by a convicted person. She said Bangladesh is making sustained diplomatic efforts to bring Hasina back to face trial, although acknowledging that the extradition process takes time. Three ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been pursuing the matter since the new government assumed office in February, building on efforts initiated under the interim government. The government believes the people of Bangladesh want Hasina to be extradited. Meanwhile, International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam recently urged Hasina to refrain from any political activities that could further destabilise the country, saying Bangladesh wants her immediate return. "Whether you come in December or January is your decision. But we want you tomorrow. Therefore, do not stage any stunts or create further instability in the country," he said on Saturday while responding to reports that Hasina plans to return to Bangladesh in December. India, meanwhile, reiterated in April that it is examining Bangladesh's extradition request through its judicial and domestic legal processes. "There is a request... the request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes," Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi, adding that India would continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders on the matter. On April 8, Bangladesh renewed its request for the extradition of Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both of whom have been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal. "We will continue to seek her extradition through a transparent judicial process. It has been discussed and will be dealt with through a transparent judicial process," Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir told reporters in Dhaka.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday said a total of 663 cases, including 453 of murder, have been filed against ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 mass uprising. The findings were revealed in a research report unveiled at TIB’s Dhanmondi office, outlining the progress, challenges and limitations of cases filed in connection with the uprising. As of November 19, 2025, a total of 1,785 cases have been filed nationwide over crimes against humanity linked to the July uprising, according to the report. Sheikh Hasina has been named as an accused in 663 of those cases. Of the total cases, 736 are of murders, with Hasina listed as an accused in 453. ICT issues arrest warrants against Hasina, 5 others TIB said charge sheets have been submitted in only 106 cases, including 31 murder cases, reflecting slow progress in investigations. So far, 128 former ministers and members of parliament from the Awami League government have been arrested in connection with the cases. The report revealed that 761 cases have been filed against the police over the same incidents, naming 1,168 serving and former police personnel as accused. Among them, 61 have been arrested. At the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), 450 complaints have been lodged so far, of which 45 have been taken into cognisance. These cases involve 209 accused, with 84 arrests made. Currently, 12 cases are under trial at the ICT, involving 105 accused persons. TIB said many of the accused have fled the country, with allegations that members of the military, law enforcement agencies and local political leaders directly or indirectly facilitated their escape. TIB expressed serious concern over what it described as indiscriminate filing of cases following the uprising. The report estimated that around 150,000 people across the country have been made accused in these cases. The watchdog cited widespread allegations of case trading, retaliatory filings, political harassment and extortion through threats of inclusion or exclusion from cases. In many instances, law enforcement agencies reportedly accepted cases without proper investigation due to pressure, the report said. TIB also raised concerns over the competence and political affiliations of judges and prosecutors appointed to the ICT. While acknowledging that trials have begun and some progress has been made, the organisation warned that weak case foundations, lack of incident-specific charges, investigative complexity and the absence of a clear factual narrative are undermining the judicial process. The report further pointed to the absence of effective accountability for police actions beyond limited departmental measures, along with continued practices of unlawful arrests, excessive remand, denial of bail, prolonged pre-trial detention, and political influence in legal proceedings. TIB also noted cases where journalists and professionals were named as accused in murder cases, raising serious questions about misuse of the justice system. Although the live broadcast of verdicts was cited as a positive step, TIB cautioned that failure to fully adhere to due process and legal standards could jeopardise fair justice and risk allowing actual perpetrators to escape accountability.  

The Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Wednesday seized a locker belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A CIC team seized the locker at the Motijheel branch of Pubali Bank housed in Sena Kalyan Bhaban in the morning, a senior CIC official said. The official said that the locker (No. 128) was traced in Sheikh Hasina’s name with one of the two keys still in her possession.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Monday filed four cases against 19 people including former prime minister's ex-defence adviser Tareq Ahmed Siddiqui on charge of embezzling TK 812 crore from three airport development projects. ACC Director General Md. Akhter Hossain revealed this during a briefing held at its headquarters. Former senior secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Mohibul Haque, and Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) chairman M. Mofidur Rahman were among the accused. The cases were filed under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The accused also include Janendranath Sarkar, former joint secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Abdul Malek, former chief engineer of CAAB; Habibur Rahman, former superintendent engineer of CAAB; project directors of the respective projects; and heads of the contracting firms involved. ACC finds foreign currency, gold, FDR documents in Sur’s lockers According to the case statements, around Tk 200 crore was misappropriated during the construction of a radar under the "Installation of RADAR with CNS-ATM (Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance-Air Traffic Management)" project at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. Another Tk 250 crore was embezzled from the third terminal expansion project of the same airport. In addition, Tk 212 crore was allegedly embezzled from the expansion project of Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, and Tk 150 crore from the terminal construction and runway development project at Cox's Bazar International Airport.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said that if India refuses to return Sheikh Hasina, it would constitute a violation of the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India. "We have written a letter for extradition. If India does not extradite Sheikh Hasina, it will be a clear violation of the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India," he said at a views-exchange meeting with reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday. In that case, he said, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take necessary steps to address the matter within the international community.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also making efforts and a red alert has already been issued, he added. Over 2,500 politically motivated cases likely to be withdrawn: Law Adviser "We are doing everything we can. The government will continue all efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina back. If necessary, international support will be sought,” said the law adviser. Referring to the trial of July mass killings, the adviser said a second tribunal will be formed, if needed, to expedite the trial of those involved in the massacre. Election as soon as possible after essential reforms: Law Adviser “There is no conflict between the trial of the July mass killing criminals and the upcoming elections. The trial will proceed at its own pace. We will finish the trial work as quickly as possible. If necessary, international judges will be appointed,” he said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said they have no information whether former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken any Indian citizenship. Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam came up with the remarks while responding to a question at the ministry’s weekly briefing. He also said it is a matter to be considered by the Indian government on what status she is staying in India. India extends Hasina’s visa amid Bangladesh’s extradition demand The spokesperson also said Dhaka is waiting for India’s reply regarding Bangladesh’s new High Commissioner to India as Bangladesh sought agrimo (recognition). “We are waiting for India’s reply. I don’t think it is taking more time than usual. There is no specific timeframe but usually it is by 3 to 4 months,” said the spokesperson. Regarding the signed deals between Bangladesh and India, he said these all documents are already in the public domain. Apparently referring to deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported visa extension, the interim government recently said visa issue does not exist once passport is cancelled. Earlier, the Department of Immigration and Passports revoked the passports of 97 people, including Hasina, due to their alleged involvement in the July killings and alleged involvement in enforced disappearances. Hasina’s visa extension not taken positively by people: Rizvi However, the Hindustan Times, a major national daily of India, reported that Hasina’s visa extension was recently approved, facilitated by India’s Union Home Ministry through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Hasina, 77, has been residing in India since fleeing her country in August last year, following widespread protests that culminated in her resignation. The spokesperson also said they have not yet received a response to the letter (note verbale) sent to India requesting Hasina's extradition. Hasina among 75 whose passports stripped over July killings

The interim government on Sunday reiterated its commitment to bring back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now facing over 100 cases with a wide range of charges, to face the trial at home, stressing that nobody in the world wants to give space to any “killer”. “It’s nation’s desire (to get her back). We are very hopeful,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. When asked about such a possibility during their tenure, he said political parties are their stakeholders and hoped that the next elected government, whoever it is, will look into it as it is a generational issue. “We will try our best. She must face the trial. I think pressure will build on. Our pressure will relentlessly be there,” he said, adding that such pressure will be mobilised worldwide. Alam said they did not hear anything from the Indian side yet on her extradition request but the government’s efforts are there to bring her back. “It remains our top priority. We will not step back from this.” India maintains silence on Hasina's extradition request as Bangladesh awaits response India has refrained from commenting further on deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition request, though Bangladesh is awaiting a reply from India. "You know, a week back, I had confirmed that we have received a communication from the Bangladesh authorities in respect of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Further than that, I have nothing to add at this point in time," said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs, on January 3. On January 1, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain made it clear that maintaining good relationships with three big countries - India, China and the United States- is among the priorities in 2025. He stressed that Dhaka’s ties with Delhi will advance beyond a single issue. There are questions around on how the Bangladesh-India relations will navigate this year if Dhaka's request for returning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains unaddressed. Michael Chakma files complaint against Sheikh Hasina, 8 others Adviser Hossain, however, addressed such a question saying this is one of the issues and the two countries have many bilateral issues. "I think both will continue simultaneously. We have many issues of mutual interest. We will advance with all these issues side by side," said the adviser.

The Anti- Corruption Commission ( ACC) on Thursday decided to investigate the irregularities in the allocation of 60 kathas plot at Purbachal new city project of Rajuk in the name of ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members . ACC spokesperson Aktarul Islam informed media about the development of the investigation. The ousted ex-prime minister allegedly became the owner of plots for herself and the members of her family at Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) Purbachal New Town Project secretly.  Her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, Hasina's younger sister Sheikh Rehana, and her two children reportedly received up to 10 katha of land each.  ACC to reinvestigate Padma Bridge corruption case against Sheikh Hasina The family reportedly took possession of a total of 60 katha plots in 2022 after which the matter was classified as highly confidential.  According to the final allocation letter signed by Naib Ali Sharif, deputy director (Estate and Land-3) of Rajuk, the price for a one-katha plot was set at Tk 3 lakh per katha, totaling Tk 30 lakh for a 10-katha plot. Sheikh Hasina took plot No-9 on Road No-203 in Sector-27 of the proposed diplomatic zone within the Purbachal project. The allocation letter in her name was issued on August 3, 2022.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said India does not endorse ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s criticism of Bangladesh's interim government describing it a pinprick in India-Bangladesh relationship. Addressing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday, Misri reaffirmed India’s focus on strengthening ties with Bangladeshi people rather than aligning with any specific political party or government, reports The Hindu. Misri said Hasina was using “private communication channels’ to air her views, and India had not provided her with any platform or facility to carry out political activities from its soil. He underscored India's longstanding policy of non-interference in the internal matters of other countries. The briefing came against the backdrop of Sheikh Hasina's recent video messages criticising Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. Japan reaffirms commitment to support Bangladesh’s reform agenda and economic growth Misri told the committee that during his visit to Dhaka earlier this week, he conveyed to the interim government that India’s relation with Bangladesh went beyond “a particular political party” or a particular government and that India prioritised relations with the people of Bangladesh and would engage with the government of the day. Vikram Misri visited Dhaka on Monday to hold several meetings in Dhaka, including Foreign Office Consultations, aiming to address mutual concerns. After Foreign Office Consultations with his Bangladesh counterpart, Md Jashim Uddin, and his courtesy meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain he expressed India’s desire to see a "positive, constructive and mutually beneficial" relationship with Bangladesh. He said there is no reason why this mutually beneficial relationship should not continue to deliver in the interest of people. During these meetings, Misri highlighted India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. Foreign Adviser calls for increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh The Indian Foreign Secretary emphasized that people are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations, and noted that India’s development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh, including in the areas of connectivity, trade, power, energy and capacity building, are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh.

BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Sunday said deposed Awami League President Sheikh Hasina would not be able to reorganise her party's leaders and workers with her empty statements from India. “Sheikh Hasina has left (the country) but her ghosts are still plotting. I’ve heard they (AL leaders and workers) may take out a procession today (Sunday) You (Hasina) are not in the country. You’ll never be able to reorganise them with these rubbish assertions,” he said.  Speaking at a rally, the BNP leader also said Sheikh Hasina’s associates destroyed Bangladesh and its economy through widespread plundering. BNP leaders, activists stage protests at Noor Hossain square, AL office He also said those who had embezzled crores of taka through fraudulent business dealings and sent the money abroad also fled the country. “They too are no longer with you, having fled the country just like you. Those who remain in the country will never have the courage to take to the streets. So, don’t mislead the people with such false calls (over the phone),” the BNP leader observed. The Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Party organised the rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the withdrawal of all false cases against Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in parliament, called upon the interim government to swiftly hold a credible national election after completing the necessary state reforms. “Lay out an election roadmap in consultation with political parties, instead of buying time under the guise of reforms. Reforms will continue, and so will the preparations for the elections,” he said, directing his remarks at the government. The BNP leader also said it is crucial to establish a government formed by the elected representatives of the people and hold a national election to thwart all forms of conspiracies by the Awami League and its cohorts. “Where are those who ruled the country for 16 years… the Awami League has destroyed the constitution and ruined constitutional institutions…Sheikh Hasina has turned all these institutions into mere hangout clubs for her party,” Farroque said. He also said the leaders and activists of the BNP and its front organisations, alongside like-minded political parties and under the guidance of Tarique Rahman, put up a strong resistance against Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule. “Later, we, together with the students and the people, managed to oust Sheikh Hasina from power.”