The trial of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, over alleged genocide committed during the July–August atrocities, will formally commence at the beginning of May, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has revealed.
He made the disclosure during an interview with Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera.
The matter was further highlighted by Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, adviser for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, who on Monday (28 April) shared a post on his verified Facebook page quoting Yunus.
Citing Professor Yunus, Asif Mahmud wrote: “The United Nations' investigation report has established Sheikh Hasina’s culpability. The trial will begin in early May. Bangladesh has requested India to return her, although Delhi has yet to provide an official response.”
Speaking on Al Jazeera’s Talk to Al Jazeera programme on Sunday (27 April), in an episode titled "Muhammad Yunus: Real Reform or Just a New Ruling Class in Bangladesh?", Yunus discussed the July revolution, Hasina’s flight to India, and widespread allegations of corruption during her tenure.
Regarding Hasina’s trial, the chief adviser stated: “The UN’s investigative findings implicate Sheikh Hasina in the genocide and crimes against humanity of July–August. Based on this, formal judicial proceedings will commence at the start of May.”
When asked whether the post-Hasina "honeymoon" for the interim government was now ending amid rising challenges, Yunus replied: “Two issues arise here—one concerning public impatience, regardless of any honeymoon sentiment. Observing the situation, the people believe the interim government still offers the best solutions. No one is calling for our departure or immediate elections. We have not encountered a moment where the public demands a swift handover of power.”
On the matter of the Rohingya crisis, he added: “This is a separate issue. We are collaborating with international organisations and the United Nations to ensure the safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Our focus is on facilitating an understanding between Bangladesh and Myanmar so that these displaced people may return home with security and dignity.”
In the interview, Yunus reaffirmed his commitment to delivering meaningful reforms and conducting the fairest election in Bangladesh’s history. If the list of reforms is manageable, elections could be held by December; if extensive, by June next year at the latest, he said. He assured that elections would not be delayed beyond June 2026.
When asked whether the Awami League would be permitted to participate in the election, Yunus remarked that part of the decision lay with the party itself. “They must first declare their willingness to contest. As of yet, they have made no announcement,” he noted, adding that the Election Commission’s stance and other factors would also influence the matter.
Pressed on whether he was leaving the Awami League’s participation entirely to the Election Commission, Yunus replied: “Not entirely. Other parties too might argue that under certain laws they are unable to participate.”
Asked how the government views Hasina’s activities from India—where she continues to claim legitimacy—Yunus said he had discussed the issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok. “I told him plainly that her provocative speeches were creating problems for us at home. She is stirring unrest among Bangladeshis, and we are bearing the consequences,” Yunus stated.
When asked how Modi responded, Yunus recalled: “If memory serves, Modi said that India, as an open society, cannot control social media or private expressions.”
Queried whether India is offering political asylum to Hasina to shield her from justice, Yunus explained that Bangladesh has already formally requested her extradition.
“We have sent a letter to the Indian government requesting her return. No reply has been received yet. Once the legal process begins, the court will issue a notice, and we shall see what measures can be taken to bring her back,” he said.
