An application has been submitted to Interpol requesting the issuance of Red Notices against 12 individuals, including ousted autocrat Sheikh Hasina, in connection with the July-August massacre case. Bangladesh’s National Central Bureau (NCB) submitted the applications in three separate phases to Interpol, seeking assistance in locating and arresting the accused who are currently living abroad.

According to sources within the police and the International Crimes Tribunal, the list includes several high-profile former officials of the Awami League government: former General Secretary and ex-Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader; ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan; former Liberation War Affairs Minister A.K.M. Mozammel Haque; ex-Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud; former Textiles and Jute Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak; former Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury; ex-Dhaka South City Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh; ex-Defense Advisor to the Prime Minister Major General (Retd.) Tarique Ahmed Siddique; former State Minister for Power Nasrul Hamid; ex-State Minister for Information Mohammad Ali Arafat; and former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed.

Interpol often assists in identifying and locating fugitives abroad. Countries that have information on such individuals may also notify Interpol regarding their possible whereabouts.

Sheikh Hasina reportedly fled to India on August 5 last year amid massive public and student-led protests and is believed to remain there. Apart from the Interpol appeal, efforts are underway by the interim government to bring back these fugitives under existing extradition agreements with several countries, including India.