The prosecution at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has asked the country’s National Central Bureau to initiate the process for an Interpol Red Notice against former army chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed, as authorities seek his return to face proceedings over alleged crimes against humanity.

The request was made in connection with a case concerning the May 5-6, 2013 crackdown on Hefazat-e-Islam activists at Motijheel’s Shapla Chattar and in Narayanganj. The tribunal has accused Aziz and other senior officials in relation to the events.

Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam signed a letter to the inspector general of police and the additional inspector general responsible for Bangladesh’s National Central Bureau at Police Headquarters, asking for the necessary steps under Interpol regulations.

Aminul confirmed the move to journalists, saying the prosecution had established that Aziz is currently living abroad.

The request follows the tribunal’s decision last month to accept formal charges of genocide and crimes against humanity against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, two journalists and 38 others over the 2013 crackdown. The tribunal subsequently issued arrest warrants for 30 accused persons believed to be absconding, including Aziz.

The prosecution has also pursued international assistance in relation to former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed, another accused in the same case. A Red Notice is an international request to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition or another form of lawful transfer. It does not itself constitute an international arrest warrant.

The latest move places Bangladesh’s international law enforcement cooperation mechanisms at the centre of efforts to bring senior former officials living outside the country before the tribunal.

Compliance angle: The case highlights the growing use of cross-border law enforcement cooperation, Interpol mechanisms and international fugitive tracking in Bangladesh’s accountability proceedings.