Bangladesh issues new arrest warrant against Hasina for extrajudicial execution

A new arrest warrant has been issued against former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and seven other individuals by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh. The warrant follows the tribunal's acceptance of charges related to an alleged extrajudicial killing that occurred in 2018.

The charges focus on the death of Ekramul Haque, a local councilor from Teknaf municipality, who was allegedly killed by members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) during an anti-drug campaign in Cox's Bazar district. Prosecutor Jahirul Amin stated that among those named in the warrant are former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, who are accused under the principle of superior responsibility.

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His phone was on at the time of the murder. His wife and daughters could hear the conversation he was having with the perpetrators. We presented that recording as evidence before the court.

Evidence presented includes an audio recording allegedly capturing Haque's final moments, which his family claims to have heard. "His phone was on at the time of the murder. His wife and daughters could hear the conversation he was having with the perpetrators. We presented that recording as evidence before the court," stated chief prosecutor Aminul Islam. The prosecution also alleges that Hasina invited Haque's widow after the killing, offering compensation and asking her to drop the matter.

Hasina, who fled to India following the fall of her government amid student protests in August 2024, is facing numerous legal challenges. She was previously sentenced to death in absentia in November 2025 for crimes against humanity related to the suppression of those protests. The former prime minister faces hundreds of other cases, including murder charges. In recent interviews, Hasina has declared her intention to return to Bangladesh in December to appear before the courts.

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After the murder, Hasina invited the wife of Ekramul and asked her to forget the matter, promising her compensation. The widow declared before the investigators that Obaidul Quader organized the meeting.