Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has requested an Interpol Red Notice against retired General Aziz Ahmed to bring him back to the country in a crimes-against-humanity case. The case concerns the operation at a Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel, Dhaka, on May 5, 2013, and a shooting incident in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, the following day. Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam confirmed the move to journalists on August 18.

A letter signed by the chief prosecutor asked for necessary action under relevant Interpol rules to issue the notice. It was sent to the inspector general of Bangladesh Police and the additional inspector general of the Interpol National Central Bureau at police headquarters. The letter also requested updates on progress and asked that the tribunal prosecution be informed when necessary.

Aminul Islam said this was the first effort to use Interpol to return a fugitive accused in the Shapla Chattar killings case. Prosecutors have learned that Aziz Ahmed may have fled to the Middle East or another country, he said. The prosecution expects that his return would allow him to face trial and plans similar steps for other accused people abroad.