Bangladesh is seeking trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Criminal Court (ICC) while she is already facing domestic tribunal charges for crimes against humanity, according to the interim government chief Muhammad Yunus's office on Thursday.
"The Chief Adviser Yunus discussed the issue of Hasina's trial with International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim A Khan who called on him at his official Jamuna residence," said a press wing official from the chief adviser's office.
The former PM sought Hasina sought refuge in India on August 5 following widespread protests against her Awami League government's controversial job quota system. Later, Nobel laureate Yunus assumed the role of chief adviser of the interim government three days afterwards.
Yunus during Wednesday's meeting with Khan, expressed Bangladesh's intention to pursue charges against Hasina and her associates, particularly regarding the "massacre" during the July-August uprising and forced disappearances throughout her 15-year administration.
The Internal Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) is currently processing numerous cases against Hasina and her cabinet colleagues, with several either imprisoned or evading capture domestically and internationally. Dhaka has requested Interpol's assistance for her return from India.
The interim government has previously indicated its intention to seek Hasina's repatriation from India for trial.
The ICC prosecutor indicated the international court's willingness to support ICT-BD, which has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several high-ranking Awami League party members.
Their discussion also encompassed the Rohingya crisis, humanitarian aid provisions, Myanmar's situation, and accountability for atrocities during Bangladesh's July-August mass movement, according to the press wing.
Khan notified Yunus that his office had officially requested an arrest warrant for Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing regarding crimes against humanity concerning Rohingya treatment.
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