Bangladesh crisis: The Supreme Court Bar Association Of Bangladesh has appealed to the Government of India to repatriate its ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, President of Bangladesh's Supreme Court Bar Association, urged New Delhi to arrest and send back Sheikh Hasina and her sister Rehana, citing their alleged involvement in human rights abuses, reported The Dhaka Tribune.
Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana are at a safe house in Uttar Pradesh.
Khokon's remarks were made during a press conference, where he stressed the need for a positive relationship with India. He accused Sheikh Hasina of perpetrating violence in Bangladesh. "She has killed many people in Bangladesh," AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon said. Khokon is also a joint secretary general at the Khaleda Zia-led Bangladesh National Party.
Khokon further called for a "clean-up" of Bangladesh's judicial and legal system. He demanded the resignation of Supreme Court judges accused of political bias and corruption. He also called for the removal of high-ranking officials, including Attorney General AM Amin Uddin, and senior officials of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) appointed by the Sheikh Hasina government.
Khokon also advocated for the immediate release of political prisoners. Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who was serving a 17-year prison sentence in various corruption cases, was released on Tuesday.
What's Happening In Bangladesh?
The protests in Bangladesh that began as opposition to a controversial reservation policy that allegedly favoured the supporters of Sheikh Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League quickly escalated into violent unrest. Banks are being looted, the Prime Minister's residence was ransacked, ministers and their families are being targeted, and the Minority Hindus are being attacked. The police have resorted to a strike, while the Army have taken to patrolling the streets.
The violence has caused more than 440 deaths so far. Khaleda Zia has expressed "concern" over the escalating violence.
More than a hundred officials of Bangladesh Bank barged into the Governor's office on Wednesday. Threatened by this several officials fled the premises.
Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Mezbaul Haque was quoted by Bangladeshi news website 'The Daily Star' as saying: "The situation is out of control."
Former education minister in the Hasina government Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury and minister of local government, rural development and cooperatives Mohammad Tajul Islam, too, have fled the country.
Former finance minister Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali, sports minister Nazmul Hasan Papon, and Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh also left Bangladesh, reported The Daily Star.