Dhaka, Nov 28 (V7N)- The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, has announced plans to file a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The allegations include crimes against humanity, such as extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, reportedly committed during her nearly 16-year tenure.

This declaration was made during a meeting between Professor Yunus and ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka on Wednesday, as reported by BSS.

Key Discussions and Developments

  1. Accountability for Atrocities

    • Professor Yunus stated the complaint against Sheikh Hasina's government will highlight alleged human rights violations during the July-August mass movement that led to her removal.
    • Karim A.A. Khan confirmed that the ICC supports accountability for such atrocities and is prepared to collaborate with Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal.

  2. Arrest Warrants Issued

    • The ICC has reportedly issued arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina and several members of her political party.
    • The ICC Chief Prosecutor also revealed that the court has formally requested an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, for crimes against the Rohingya minority.

  3. Rohingya Crisis and Safe Zones

    • Both leaders discussed the ongoing Rohingya crisis and recent developments, including the influx of refugees into Bangladesh.
    • Professor Yunus reiterated his call for establishing a UN-supervised safe zone in Myanmar's Rakhine State. He emphasized that such a zone would ensure the security and eventual resettlement of displaced people.

  4. International Conference on Rohingya Crisis

    • The ICC Chief Prosecutor supported the interim government’s proposal for a special international conference on the Rohingya crisis.
    • The UN General Assembly has approved the conference for 2025, with details to be finalized in the first quarter of that year.

  5. Humanitarian Concerns

    • Professor Yunus highlighted the challenges faced by Rohingya children growing up in refugee camps, warning of potential unrest if their despair is not addressed.
    • The Chief Advisor also stressed the need for sustainable international efforts to resolve the crisis.

The interim government's decision to pursue ICC action reflects its commitment to accountability for alleged abuses under Sheikh Hasina’s administration. This move also underscores Bangladesh’s growing concerns over the Rohingya crisis, which continues to strain its resources and pose regional security risks.

The meeting included key representatives such as:

  • Khalilur Rahman, High Representative on Rohingya Affairs
  • Lamia Morshed, Principal Coordinator for SDGs
  • Riaz Hamidullah, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The ICC meeting aligns with ongoing diplomatic efforts to address both domestic and regional challenges facing the interim government.

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