Bangladesh Tribunal Issues Arrest Warrant for Ex-PM’s Son in War Crimes Probe

A Bangladesh court has issued an arrest warrant for Sajeeb Wazed Joy. He is the son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The warrant was issued on Thursday by the International Crimes Tribunal.

The tribunal is investigating alleged crimes against humanity. This development adds to the legal pressures facing the country’s former first family. According to Reuters, Joy is currently residing in the United States.

Charges Center on Internet Shutdown During Protests

The arrest warrant stems from events in July 2024. The tribunal alleges Joy committed crimes against humanity. The specific charge involves ordering an internet shutdown during nationwide student-led protests.

The shutdown severely restricted communication and information flow. The tribunal considered these actions as part of a broader pattern. The panel includes Justices Golam Mortaza, Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud, and Md. Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

This legal action compounds existing cases. Both Hasina and her son face separate corruption charges. Those cases relate to alleged irregularities in a Dhaka urban planning project.

Broad Legal Onslaught Against Former Leadership

The warrant against Joy is part of a wider legal campaign. His mother, Sheikh Hasina, faces severe sentences from multiple courts. She was recently sentenced to five years in a corruption case.

In a separate ruling, the ICT sentenced the 78-year-old former leader to death. That verdict relates to the killings of students during last year’s protests. An interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is now overseeing these trials.

The situation has significant diplomatic dimensions. Bangladesh has sent multiple extradition requests for Hasina to India. She reportedly fled there following the political unrest.

The arrest warrant for Sajeeb Wazed Joy marks a significant escalation in Bangladesh’s ongoing political reckoning, directly targeting the family of the former long-time leader with serious international charges.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal?

The ICT is a domestic war crimes court established in Bangladesh. It investigates and prosecutes crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes committed during the 1971 Liberation War and beyond.

Where is Sajeeb Wazed Joy now?

Reports indicate Joy is currently living in the United States. The Bangladesh tribunal issued the arrest warrant despite his residence abroad.

What sentences does Sheikh Hasina face?

Sheikh Hasina has received multiple sentences. These include a death sentence from the ICT and a 21-year prison term from a corruption court related to a housing project.

Who is leading Bangladesh’s government now?

An interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is currently in charge. This government is overseeing the trials against the former prime minister and her associates.

What were the 2024 protests about?

The July 2024 protests were large-scale, student-led demonstrations. They initially focused on government job quotas but expanded into broader anti-government demands, leading to a violent crackdown.