Saturday, 21 December, 2024
Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's interim government, has firmly dismissed the prospects of the Awami League returning to the political arena in the near future, as discussions intensify regarding the party's participation in upcoming elections.
In an interview with the Financial Times, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate condemned the party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for exhibiting "fascist characteristics" during its 15 years in power, asserting that it "has no place" in the current political landscape of the country.
Yunus, appointed chief advisor to the interim government following Hasina's resignation and subsequent departure amid a student-led uprising in August, also noted that his administration would refrain from actively pursuing Hasina’s extradition from India to maintain diplomatic relations between the two nations.
“In the short run, there is no place for her or the Awami League in Bangladesh,” he stated. “They controlled the people, the political machinery, and the institutions to serve their interests. No fascist party should exist in a democratic system.”
Critics of the Awami League, including political rivals and human rights advocates, have long accused the party of election rigging, extrajudicial killings, and the weaponization of state institutions during Hasina's tenure, according to the report.
Since Hasina’s departure, the debate has intensified over whether the Awami League should be temporarily suspended, reformed, or banned outright.
While Yunus acknowledged the potential for fragmentation within the Awami League, he emphasized that his interim government would not dictate the future of Bangladesh's oldest political party, as it is “not a political government.” Instead, he believes that decisions regarding the party’s electoral participation should be made through a “consensus” among political factions. "They have to determine their own political space," he added.
The 84-year-old Yunus also indicated that his government would wait for a domestic criminal tribunal to deliver a verdict against Hasina and her associates before pursuing her repatriation.
He confirmed that the government aims to facilitate Sheikh Hasina's return to Bangladesh but will only do so after the tribunal reaches its decision. The tribunal has recently issued an arrest warrant for Hasina and 45 others in connection with mass murder charges related to the suppression of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement in July.
“She is charged with crimes against humanity,” Yunus said. “Once the verdict is rendered, we’ll seek her return through the extradition treaty with India. I believe we cannot pursue that before a verdict is issued.”
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Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's interim government, has firmly dismissed the prospects of the Awami League returning to the political arena in the near future, as discussions intensify regarding the party's participation in upcoming elections.
In an interview with the Financial Times, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate condemned the party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for exhibiting "fascist characteristics" during its 15 years in power, asserting that it "has no place" in the current political landscape of the country.
Yunus, appointed chief advisor to the interim government following Hasina's resignation and subsequent departure amid a student-led uprising in August, also noted that his administration would refrain from actively pursuing Hasina’s extradition from India to maintain diplomatic relations between the two nations.
“In the short run, there is no place for her or the Awami League in Bangladesh,” he stated. “They controlled the people, the political machinery, and the institutions to serve their interests. No fascist party should exist in a democratic system.”
Critics of the Awami League, including political rivals and human rights advocates, have long accused the party of election rigging, extrajudicial killings, and the weaponization of state institutions during Hasina's tenure, according to the report.
Since Hasina’s departure, the debate has intensified over whether the Awami League should be temporarily suspended, reformed, or banned outright.
While Yunus acknowledged the potential for fragmentation within the Awami League, he emphasized that his interim government would not dictate the future of Bangladesh's oldest political party, as it is “not a political government.” Instead, he believes that decisions regarding the party’s electoral participation should be made through a “consensus” among political factions. "They have to determine their own political space," he added.
The 84-year-old Yunus also indicated that his government would wait for a domestic criminal tribunal to deliver a verdict against Hasina and her associates before pursuing her repatriation.
He confirmed that the government aims to facilitate Sheikh Hasina's return to Bangladesh but will only do so after the tribunal reaches its decision. The tribunal has recently issued an arrest warrant for Hasina and 45 others in connection with mass murder charges related to the suppression of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement in July.
“She is charged with crimes against humanity,” Yunus said. “Once the verdict is rendered, we’ll seek her return through the extradition treaty with India. I believe we cannot pursue that before a verdict is issued.”
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