Bangladesh court issues show-cause notice against ousted PM Sheikh Hasina in contempt case

The tribunal, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, passed the order on Wednesday.

Hasina and Shakil Alam Bulbul have been asked to respond by May 15.

The order was passed after the presentation of a forensic report that verified an audio clip circulating online, media reports said.

According to the prosecution, the audio—allegedly recorded while Sheikh Hasina was in India—features the former prime minister quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune: "I’ve had 227 cases filed against me, so I’ve received a license to kill 227 people."

Following the forensic confirmation that the voice in the clip is that of Sheikh Hasina, prosecutors submitted an application accusing her of attempting to obstruct the tribunal’s judicial proceedings and issuing implied threats, the newspaper reported.

Bangladesh Requests Interpol Red Notice For Hasina

The National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh Police recently submitted a request to Interpol seeking a "red notice" against Hasina and 11 others.

Confirming the development, Enamul Haque Sagor, assistant inspector general (media) at the Police Headquarters (PHQ), told The Daily Star that the NCB branch makes such requests to Interpol based on appeals received from courts, public prosecutors, or investigating agencies.

"These applications are filed in connection with allegations that emerge during investigations or through ongoing case proceedings," he said.

Interpol plays a key role in identifying the locations of fugitives residing abroad, the AIG said.

In November last year, the Chief Prosecutor's Office of the International Crimes Tribunal had formally requested the Police Headquarters to seek Interpol's assistance in arresting Hasina, who was longest longest-serving Prime Minister of the South Asian country, and others deemed fugitives.

Political Change

The July uprising in Bangladesh saw thousands of students participate in the anti-job quota movement last year, which later spiralled into a massive violent demonstration against the former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government that had served the country for the longest period since the nation was formed in 1971.

Hasina fled to neighbouring India on August 5, 2025, leading to the fall of her government just months after she returned to power for another term following a massive win in the general polls, which was boycotted by the country's main opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Bangladesh Witnessed Political Change Last Year

The July uprising in Bangladesh saw thousands of students participate in the anti-job quota movement last year, which later spiralled into a massive violent demonstration against the former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government.