Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim government Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, revealed that the country had sent formal letters to India requesting the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina but has yet to receive an official response from New Delhi.
In an interview with UK-based Sky News, Yunus stated that Hasina, now 77, will face trial for alleged crimes against humanity.
According to a news agency, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants against Hasina and several of her former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and officials for crimes including genocide.
Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5 last year following a massive student-led uprising that brought down her Awami League government after 16 years in power. She has since been living in India.
“A trial will take place—not just against her but also against those associated with her, including family members, clients, and collaborators,” Yunus stated.
Despite sending formal diplomatic communications, including a “note verbale” from the Bangladesh High Commission, India has reportedly not provided any response.
However, Yunus insisted that Hasina would face trial, either in person in Bangladesh or in absentia while residing in India.
Yunus recounted visiting one of the infamous “House of Mirrors” secret jails allegedly operated under Hasina’s administration, describing the conditions as “the ugliest thing that you can see or feel.”
The facilities are accused of being used for the abduction, torture, and murder of hundreds of activists.
Hasina denies the allegations, claiming she is a victim of political persecution.
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Reports indicate that she and several associates accused of running a network of up to 800 secret jails fled the country as the protests intensified.
The UN estimates that a violent crackdown on demonstrators in July and August of last year led to the deaths of as many as 1,400 people.
Yunus, who assumed office on August 8, alleged that around 1,500 people were killed and 19,931 others wounded during the uprising against the Hasina regime.
Yunus emphasized that the sheer number of individuals implicated in the alleged crimes is delaying judicial proceedings.
He called the situation unprecedented and reiterated the government’s commitment to pursuing justice for the victims.
