Bangladesh revokes Sheikh Hasina, 96 others' passport

The interim government of Bangladesh has revoked the passports of 97 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, citing alleged involvement in killings during the July uprising and enforced disappearances. Local media reported that the crackdown reflects a significant escalation in the legal battle against Hasina and her associates.

Of the 97 passports revoked, 22 were linked to allegations of enforced disappearances, while 75, including Hasina’s, were connected to the July uprising violence, which reportedly claimed hundreds of lives. This move follows an arrest warrant issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against Hasina and 11 others, accusing them of enforced disappearances. The tribunal has ordered their arrest and set February 12 as the date for their appearance in court.

Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder, chairman of the ICT, stressed the urgency of a thorough investigation into these cases. The Inspector General of Police has been directed to ensure the accused are apprehended and presented before the tribunal.

This is the second arrest warrant issued against Hasina, who fled to India following the collapse of her Awami League-led government amid unprecedented anti-government protests in August. Legal scrutiny of her tenure has intensified, with complaints of crimes against humanity and genocide during the July-August mass uprising.

Prosecutors have alleged that Hasina’s administration fostered a culture of state-sponsored enforced disappearances, with elite units such as the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) often implicated. Many victims of such abductions reportedly remain missing, according to Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam.

Last month, the interim government formally requested Hasina’s extradition from India. While New Delhi confirmed receipt of the request, it has not made any public comments. The ICT continues to document multiple cases against Hasina, further solidifying accusations of crimes against humanity during her tenure.