Dhaka, Oct 17 (V7N) – The International Criminal Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the same day that trial proceedings began. The warrant was announced alongside those issued for ousted Awami League minister Obaidul Quader and 45 other individuals. The orders were given by the tribunal's chairman, Justice Md. Ghulam Mortuza, on Thursday, October 17.

Sheikh Hasina has been named the principal accused in 54 of the 56 complaints submitted to the tribunal. Earlier, the prosecution team sought arrest warrants for 50 individuals, including Hasina, in connection with alleged massacres as part of the ongoing trial.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam confirmed that the court has ordered Sheikh Hasina to be arrested and appear before the tribunal by November 18, 2024. The prosecution has expressed concerns that if the names of all accused individuals are released, they may flee. Therefore, the full list of names has not been disclosed at this time.

Prosecutors noted that the trial's effectiveness could be compromised if the accused remain at large, particularly given their influential positions.

Additionally, media personnel were prohibited from bringing mobile devices into the tribunal following a directive from the registrar's office prior to the start of proceedings. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam later addressed this issue, citing security concerns related to the tribunal's temporary location, which is housed in a tin shed building. He assured the media that these security measures are temporary and expects the situation to be resolved promptly.

As the trial unfolds, the nation is closely watching how this significant legal action will impact Bangladesh's political landscape.

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