Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has re-affirmed his commitment to ensuring that key figures from the ousted Sheikh Hasina regime face justice, stating that the people of Bangladesh “will not forgive” his administration if it fails to hold them accountable.
“We will bring her (Hasina) to justice. It must happen– otherwise, the people will not forgive us,” Prof Yunus told UAE state-owned English daily, The National. He asserted that the deposed prime minister and her senior officials would be tracked down, brought back to Bangladesh, and prosecuted under the law.
Prof Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, assumed office as chief adviser to the interim government in August last year, following Sheikh Hasina’s flight to India amid mass protests that stormed her official residence. She had ruled under a one-party system for 15 years.
“We have sent a notice to India requesting Sheikh Hasina’s repatriation. We have substantial evidence,” Prof Yunus told The National during the World Governments Summit in Dubai. He cited a fact-finding report by the UN Human Rights Office, which he said serves as undeniable proof of the previous government’s actions.
“This report is a testament to everything they have done. The UN has documented their actions, and we have stacks of evidence detailing what she, her government, and her close associates have inflicted on the country.
“Legal proceedings have already begun, and we are confident that the process will bring her to justice,” he added.
UN Report Details Atrocities Under Hasina’s Rule
According to the UN Human Rights Office, approximately 1,400 people were killed during last year’s uprising. Among those killed by security forces, around 13 percent were children. Additionally, 44 police officers lost their lives during the unrest, according to Bangladesh police reports.
The protests extended beyond Bangladesh, with Bangladeshi expatriates worldwide, including those in the UAE, staging demonstrations. At the height of the crisis, 53 protesters in the UAE were arrested and jailed but were later released following a personal appeal from Prof Yunus to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed.
Prof Yunus described this as a turning point in Bangladesh’s relationship with the UAE.
“Our relationship with the UAE is fantastic. When some Bangladeshis demonstrated in support of the movement back home, they were jailed for violating local laws.
“After assuming office, I personally appealed to the UAE President, explaining that these individuals were simply expressing support for change in Bangladesh. I was delighted when he immediately agreed to their release. It was a wonderful gesture, and all of Bangladesh celebrated it,” he said.
