What we know about Bangladeshis on Interpol’s Red Notice list
A Red Notice is an international request for cooperation issued by Interpol to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action
There are currently 63 Bangladeshi nationals on Interpol's publicly available Red Notice list, including even Kala Jahangir, a dreaded top terror considered to have been killed.
The Red Notice has come to national attention today (22 December) after various media reported that such a notice was issued against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Although the notice has not been issued, the government has earlier written to the Interpol to do so. If the red notice is issued, Hasina will join the 63 others.
A Red Notice is an international request for cooperation issued by Interpol to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.
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It is not an international arrest warrant but serves as a tool for law enforcement agencies worldwide to collaborate in tracking down fugitives.
It is to be noted that the exact number of Bangladeshi nationals subject to Red Notices is not publicly available.
Interpol's database includes both public and restricted Red Notices, with the majority being accessible only to law enforcement agencies.
So, what do we know about the Bangladeshi nationals on the list?
Crimes
Based on publicly available Interpol Red Notices and reports about Bangladeshi individuals, most cases involve serious criminal accusations, such as:
Financial Crimes:
Many individuals are accused of large-scale fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering.
Murder and Organised Crime:
Cases of violent crimes, including murder, often involve individuals wanted for direct involvement or conspiracies. These are typically associated with domestic disputes or politically motivated incidents.
War Crimes:
A number of individuals are accused of war crimes, centring on the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
Corruption and Abuse of Power:
High-profile figures, including politicians, have faced accusations of corruption, misuse of public funds, or abuse of office.
Terrorism:
Although less frequent, there are instances of individuals being wanted for their involvement in terrorist activities or links to extremist organisations.
Has any Bangladeshi been arrested due to Red Notice?
Several Bangladeshis have been detained due to Red Notices issued by Interpol.
Notable cases include Prashanta Kumar Halder, commonly known as PK Halder, who was charged with financial fraud and embezzlement of billions of takas. He was arrested in India in May 2022 following a Red Notice issued at Bangladesh's request.
Arav Khan aka Rabiul Islam, accused of murdering a Bangladeshi policeman in 2018, was detained in Dubai in 2023. However, his extradition to Bangladesh is still pending.
Accused of amassing charges of corruption, politician Amanullah Aman was detained abroad and returned to Bangladesh to face trial.
