Sheikh Hasina Faces Interpol Red Notice Request Amid Allegations of Conspiracy

Troubles are mounting for Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, as the Bangladesh Police have formally requested Interpol to issue a Red Notice against her and 11 others. Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 following a student-led uprising that toppled her 16-year Awami League regime, faces serious allegations, including conspiring to overthrow the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. This article explores the details of the Red Notice request, the process Interpol follows when receiving such requests, and the potential implications for Hasina and others named in the notice.
Background of the Request

The National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh Police submitted the Red Notice request to Interpol, as reported by The Daily Star on April 19, 2025. The request targets Hasina and 11 other individuals accused of being "absconding" and residing abroad. According to Enamul Haque Sagor, Assistant Inspector General (Media) at Police Headquarters, the NCB processes such requests based on appeals from courts, public prosecutors, or investigating agencies. These applications are filed in response to allegations emerging from ongoing investigations or case proceedings.

The allegations against Hasina include hatching a conspiracy to incite civil war and overthrow the interim government. Additionally, she faces over 100 cases in Bangladesh, with charges ranging from mass murder to corruption. The request follows a formal appeal by the Chief Prosecutor’s Office of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in November 2024, urging Interpol’s assistance in apprehending Hasina and other fugitives accused of crimes against humanity and genocide during the July-August 2024 protests, which resulted in at least 753 deaths, according to the interim government.

What is an Interpol Red Notice?

A Red Notice is a global alert issued by Interpol to locate and provisionally arrest individuals wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence. It is not an international arrest warrant but a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to identify and detain a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. Interpol, based in Lyon, France, facilitates international police cooperation among its 195 member states, and Red Notices are a key tool in tracking fugitives.

Red Notices are issued based on an arrest warrant or court order from the requesting country’s judicial authorities. They contain identifying information about the individual, such as their name, photograph, and details of the charges. Interpol currently has 6,656 public Red Notices in circulation, with 63 involving Bangladeshi nationals, though Hasina’s name does not yet appear on the public list.

Interpol’s Process for Handling Red Notice Requests

When Interpol receives a Red Notice request, it follows a structured process to ensure compliance with its rules and international standards:

Submission and Review: The requesting country’s NCB submits the application to Interpol’s General Secretariat. The request must include details of a valid arrest warrant or court order, the nature of the charges, and evidence supporting the allegations. Interpol’s Task Force on Notices and Diffusions reviews the request to ensure it meets legal and procedural requirements, including compliance with Interpol’s constitution, which prohibits actions based on political, military, religious, or racial motives.
Compliance Check: Interpol verifies that the request aligns with its rules, particularly Article 3, which forbids intervention in political matters. Given the politically charged nature of Hasina’s case, Interpol will scrutinize whether the charges are primarily criminal or politically motivated. For example, allegations of “conspiracy to incite civil war” or “crimes against humanity” must be supported by credible evidence to avoid being deemed political persecution.
Approval and Issuance: If approved, Interpol publishes the Red Notice and circulates it to all member states. The notice includes the individual’s details and a request for provisional arrest. The General Secretariat in Lyon makes the final decision, and the process can take weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case.
Action by Member States: Once issued, member states are notified, and law enforcement agencies can act based on their national laws. A Red Notice does not compel arrest or extradition; each country decides whether to detain the individual and initiate extradition proceedings. For instance, India, where Hasina resides, would apply its own legal framework to determine whether to arrest or extradite her, considering bilateral treaties and diplomatic relations with Bangladesh.
Challenges and Appeals: Individuals subject to Red Notices can challenge their issuance through Interpol’s Commission for the Control of Files (CCF), an independent body. Hasina or her legal team could argue that the notice is politically motivated or lacks sufficient evidence, potentially leading to its suspension or cancellation.

Potential Actions Following a Red Notice

If Interpol issues a Red Notice against Hasina and the 11 others, several outcomes are possible:

Locating Fugitives: Interpol will assist in tracking the whereabouts of the individuals. Hasina’s location in India is already known, but the notice could help identify others who have fled to other countries. Once located, Interpol shares this information with relevant authorities.
Provisional Arrest: Member states may arrest the individuals named in the notice, depending on local laws and extradition agreements. For example, India could detain Hasina if it deems the charges valid and compliant with the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty. However, diplomatic considerations may complicate such actions, as Hasina’s presence in India has been a point of sensitivity.
Extradition Proceedings: If arrested, the individual may face extradition hearings. The requesting country (Bangladesh) must provide evidence to support extradition, and the host country (e.g., India) will evaluate the request. Extradition is not guaranteed, especially if the charges are deemed political or if human rights concerns arise, such as fears of unfair trials or persecution in Bangladesh.
International Pressure: A Red Notice increases international scrutiny and may restrict the individual’s ability to travel, as member states are alerted to their wanted status. This could limit Hasina’s mobility and isolate her politically, even if she avoids arrest.
No Action: Some countries may choose not to act on the Red Notice due to political alliances, lack of extradition treaties, or concerns about the legitimacy of the charges. India, for instance, has not signaled immediate plans to extradite Hasina, with Chief Adviser Yunus previously indicating a reluctance to pursue extradition to avoid diplomatic tensions.

Challenges and Controversies

The Red Notice request against Hasina is not without controversy. Critics argue that the charges may carry political undertones, given Bangladesh’s polarized political landscape. Hasina’s supporters claim the interim government is targeting her to eliminate political opposition, while the government insists the charges are rooted in criminal accountability for serious offenses. Interpol’s review process will be critical in determining whether the request is legally sound or politically driven.

Additionally, the ICT, which issued arrest warrants for Hasina, has a contentious history. Established by Hasina’s government in 2010 to try 1971 war crimes, it was criticized for targeting her political rivals. Its reconstitution under Yunus’s interim government and its pursuit of Hasina have raised questions about impartiality.

Implications for Hasina and Bangladesh

For Hasina, a Red Notice would escalate her legal and personal challenges. While she remains in India, her ability to travel or seek asylum elsewhere could be severely restricted. Her legal team may challenge the notice, prolonging the process, but the international spotlight could weaken her political influence further. Several Awami League leaders have already been arrested, and others have fled, indicating a broader crackdown on her allies.

For Bangladesh, the request underscores the interim government’s determination to hold Hasina accountable but risks straining relations with India, a key regional ally. The outcome of the Red Notice request could also set a precedent for how Bangladesh pursues other fugitives and navigates international legal cooperation.