Dhaka, Mar 05 (V7N) – Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, has declared that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must face trial for alleged crimes against humanity.

In an interview with UK-based Sky News, Yunus stated that his government is committed to ensuring justice. He emphasized that the trial would not be limited to Hasina alone, but would extend to her family members, associates, and others involved in alleged human rights violations during her tenure.

Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from power amid widespread student and public protests, is currently in exile in India. She faces accusations of overseeing enforced disappearances, running secret detention camps, and ordering the massacre of protesters in July and August 2024.

According to Sky News, Bangladesh has issued two arrest warrants for Hasina. Professor Yunus confirmed that his government has sent a formal letter to India requesting her extradition, but has not yet received an official response.

“Hasina must face justice, whether she is in Bangladesh or in India,” Yunus insisted.

Professor Yunus recently visited a secret detention facility, infamously known as the “House of Mirrors”, where political opponents were allegedly tortured and killed.

He described the conditions as “so horrific that you cannot even imagine.”

Reports suggest that over 800 secret detention centers operated under Hasina’s government, where members of the opposition were abducted, interrogated, and in many cases, executed.

The United Nations has reported that around 1,400 people were killed in a crackdown on anti-government protests in July and August 2024, shortly after Hasina fled the country.

Professor Yunus acknowledged that bringing all those responsible to justice would take time, as many former officials fled Bangladesh following Hasina’s removal.

He also revealed that Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched corruption investigations against individuals close to Hasina, including British Labour MP Tulip Siddique, who is Hasina’s niece.

According to Yunus, “She left a lot of wealth in Bangladesh, and everything will be investigated.”

Tulip Siddique resigned as UK’s Anti-Corruption Minister in January following the allegations but denies any wrongdoing. Her spokesperson stated that the Bangladesh government has not formally contacted her regarding the matter.

Beyond Bangladesh’s political crisis, Yunus also discussed efforts to address the Rohingya refugee situation.

With Myanmar’s ongoing civil war leading to a surge in Rohingya refugees, the Bangladeshi government is in talks with Myanmar’s rebel groups to establish a “safe zone” where Rohingya refugees can return home safely.

Currently, around one million Rohingya live in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps, where violence, drug trafficking, and armed group activities have increased.

Professor Yunus acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “This tension will not subside suddenly.”

END/MSS/AJ