Friday, 22 November, 2024
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has announced his government’s plans to pursue the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, where she has been residing since fleeing Bangladesh amidst the July-August mass uprising.
In a televised address on Sunday evening, marking 100 days of the interim government, Yunus stated:
“We are committed to ensuring justice for every life lost during the revolution. The process of prosecuting those responsible is progressing, and we will seek Hasina’s extradition to hold her accountable.”
The address, broadcast at 7 PM across state-run media, detailed the challenges faced by the interim administration in stabilizing the country after Hasina’s departure.
Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for over 15 years, fled to India on August 5 as protests led by students and the public forced her government out. Since her departure, over 200 cases have been filed against her, including charges of “genocide” in the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
Arrest warrants have been issued for Hasina, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, and 46 others, with the tribunal mandating their appearance in court by November 18.
Foreign Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway to bring Hasina back before the court deadline.
Yunus emphasized the government’s determination to address widespread allegations of forced disappearances under Hasina’s administration. A special commission investigating these cases has documented 1,600 disappearances, though the actual figure is estimated to exceed 3,500.
Encouraging families to come forward, Yunus assured protection:
“No one will harm you. Report your cases without hesitation. Justice will prevail for every victim.”
The commission has uncovered harrowing evidence, including testimonies and writings from secret detention centers. “The stories of those who vanished are heart-wrenching, and we will ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice,” Yunus vowed.
Yunus highlighted ongoing collaboration with international bodies, including the ICC and the United Nations, to prosecute those responsible for crimes during the uprising. Discussions with ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan are advancing, and the UN has committed to submitting a report on the July-August killings by December.
The UN has also proposed increasing its presence in Dhaka to assist with investigations, a proposal accepted by the interim government.
Reflecting on the state of the nation when his administration took charge, Yunus described a vacuum of governance following what he termed the “fascist regime’s” collapse. Law enforcement agencies were inactive, and the country faced unprecedented instability.
The mass uprising resulted in approximately 1,500 deaths and over 19,900 injuries. The government has arranged treatment for the injured across 13 hospitals in Dhaka and other facilities, while meticulously documenting each fatality to ensure justice.
“We have inherited a nation ravaged by authoritarian rule. Together, we must rebuild it with unity and determination,” Yunus urged.
The Chief Advisor reiterated his government’s zero-tolerance stance on impunity for those responsible for crimes, regardless of their influence or affiliation.
“No matter how powerful the accused, justice will be served,” he declared, calling this a historic opportunity to address Bangladesh’s longstanding issues of impunity and authoritarianism.
Yunus concluded by reaffirming the interim government’s commitment to transparency, justice, and reform, calling on the nation to stand united in shaping a brighter, more just future for Bangladesh.
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Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has announced his government’s plans to pursue the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, where she has been residing since fleeing Bangladesh amidst the July-August mass uprising.
In a televised address on Sunday evening, marking 100 days of the interim government, Yunus stated:
“We are committed to ensuring justice for every life lost during the revolution. The process of prosecuting those responsible is progressing, and we will seek Hasina’s extradition to hold her accountable.”
The address, broadcast at 7 PM across state-run media, detailed the challenges faced by the interim administration in stabilizing the country after Hasina’s departure.
Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for over 15 years, fled to India on August 5 as protests led by students and the public forced her government out. Since her departure, over 200 cases have been filed against her, including charges of “genocide” in the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
Arrest warrants have been issued for Hasina, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, and 46 others, with the tribunal mandating their appearance in court by November 18.
Foreign Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway to bring Hasina back before the court deadline.
Yunus emphasized the government’s determination to address widespread allegations of forced disappearances under Hasina’s administration. A special commission investigating these cases has documented 1,600 disappearances, though the actual figure is estimated to exceed 3,500.
Encouraging families to come forward, Yunus assured protection:
“No one will harm you. Report your cases without hesitation. Justice will prevail for every victim.”
The commission has uncovered harrowing evidence, including testimonies and writings from secret detention centers. “The stories of those who vanished are heart-wrenching, and we will ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice,” Yunus vowed.
Yunus highlighted ongoing collaboration with international bodies, including the ICC and the United Nations, to prosecute those responsible for crimes during the uprising. Discussions with ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan are advancing, and the UN has committed to submitting a report on the July-August killings by December.
The UN has also proposed increasing its presence in Dhaka to assist with investigations, a proposal accepted by the interim government.
Reflecting on the state of the nation when his administration took charge, Yunus described a vacuum of governance following what he termed the “fascist regime’s” collapse. Law enforcement agencies were inactive, and the country faced unprecedented instability.
The mass uprising resulted in approximately 1,500 deaths and over 19,900 injuries. The government has arranged treatment for the injured across 13 hospitals in Dhaka and other facilities, while meticulously documenting each fatality to ensure justice.
“We have inherited a nation ravaged by authoritarian rule. Together, we must rebuild it with unity and determination,” Yunus urged.
The Chief Advisor reiterated his government’s zero-tolerance stance on impunity for those responsible for crimes, regardless of their influence or affiliation.
“No matter how powerful the accused, justice will be served,” he declared, calling this a historic opportunity to address Bangladesh’s longstanding issues of impunity and authoritarianism.
Yunus concluded by reaffirming the interim government’s commitment to transparency, justice, and reform, calling on the nation to stand united in shaping a brighter, more just future for Bangladesh.
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