Bangladeshi Students Urge UN to Pursue Trial of Former PM Hasina at ICC

Bangladeshi student representatives called on the United Nations to assist in bringing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity during last year’s July uprising, Anadolu Agency reported. The appeal was made during a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is visiting Bangladesh. A local court has issued arrest warrants against Hasina for mass killings and enforced disappearances, with a UN report indicating around 1,400 deaths in the crackdown.

Students also requested UN support to deport Hasina and her allies from India, where they have been in exile since August. They raised concerns over the appointment of Hasina’s daughter, Saima Wazed Putul, as WHO regional director, alleging undue influence. Guterres acknowledged the ICC’s jurisdiction but noted that further actions depend on member states’ cooperation. The students urged the UN to address border killings between Bangladesh and India, where over 2,000 fatalities have been reported.