Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, announced on Tuesday the revocation of 97 passports, including that of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The move follows criminal proceedings against individuals accused of involvement in forced disappearances and violence during student protests. Of the revoked passports, 22 are linked to enforced disappearances, while 75—including Hasina’s—are tied to violent incidents during last year’s protests.
Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Yunus, confirmed that the interim government is committed to addressing past abuses. He stated, “This decision is part of a broader effort to hold individuals accountable for their actions, ensuring justice for victims of these heinous crimes.” Sheikh Hasina, who led the government for 15 years, fled to India on August 5, 2024, after her administration collapsed amid student-led protests.
The Bangladeshi Awami League chief now faces intensified scrutiny as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued arrest warrants against her and 11 others. This development adds to her growing legal challenges as she remains accused of overseeing extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances during her tenure.
Allegations of Human Rights Violations and Tribunal Orders
The ICT, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumder, issued an arrest warrant against Hasina and her associates on January 6, giving law enforcement until February 12 to apprehend and present the accused. Among those implicated are Major General (retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddique, who served as Hasina’s defense advisor; former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed; and Ziaul Ahsan, former Director General of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC).
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The tribunal underscored the severity of the charges, which include enforced disappearances and killings tied to the controversial student protests. Justice Mojumder emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation, assigning the Inspector General of Police the task of ensuring the accused are brought to justice. The 77-year-old former prime minister, who fled the country amid mounting unrest, now faces allegations of crimes against humanity.
During her administration, Hasina was accused of orchestrating widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of political opponents. The interim government’s decision to revoke her passport further isolates the embattled leader as she grapples with the fallout from her 15-year rule.
Escalating Violence and Political Unrest in Bangladesh
The political landscape in Bangladesh remains deeply fractured following the collapse of Hasina’s government. Over 230 people were killed in violent incidents last year, bringing the death toll to more than 600 since mid-July 2024, when student protests erupted over a controversial quota system in government jobs. The protests gained momentum, ultimately leading to the ousting of Hasina’s administration.
The interim government, under Yunus’s leadership, has vowed to restore stability and address past injustices. However, the country continues to grapple with widespread unrest and demands for accountability. The student-led revolution that unseated Hasina has highlighted the growing dissatisfaction with systemic corruption and authoritarian governance in Bangladesh.
The revocation of passports and the ongoing legal proceedings signify a critical turning point for the country as it seeks to navigate its political and social challenges. By taking decisive action against former leaders accused of abuses, the interim government aims to rebuild trust among citizens while charting a path toward accountability and reform.