A screengrab from the most recent interview video of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to the UAE state-owned English daily, The National.
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.
Rebuilding Bangladesh: Reform and Transparency
With political stability gradually returning, Prof Yunus and his advisers have shifted their focus toward domestic reforms aimed at rebuilding a prosperous and secure nation.
Six key reform commissions have been established to overhaul the judiciary, electoral system, police, and administration. Additionally, an anti-corruption commission has been tasked with recovering stolen government funds and eliminating financial misconduct from the previous regime.
The goal of these reforms, according to Prof Yunus, is to "establish a state system based on public ownership, welfare, and accountability, ensuring that all 174 million Bangladeshis have greater control over governance."
Elections and Transition of Power
Prof Yunus emphasized that his administration’s primary objective is to restore law and order, revive the economy, and stabilize the banking system as quickly as possible.
"We will present our reform recommendations to all political parties and civil society groups, allowing them to decide which measures to implement immediately, which to adopt in the future, and which to discard," he explained.
However, he reiterated that his government’s role will not extend beyond facilitating this transition.
"Once this process is complete, we will oversee the first credible, transparent election in 16 years. The people will celebrate, and our job will be done," he stated.
Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Prof Yunus reaffirmed his commitment to stepping aside once the electoral process is secured.
"We now have a consensus-building commission that will finalize recommendations for a national charter, paving the way for elections in December this year," he said.
"Once my task is complete, I will hand over power to the elected government."
