Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to Bangladesh's interim government, has made serious allegations against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He claimed that Sheikh Hasina has left everything in ruins. Yunus also mentioned that elections in Bangladesh will only occur after electoral reforms.
In an interview with Nikkei Asia, Muhammad Yunus emphasized the need to overhaul the economy, governance, bureaucracy, and judiciary ahead of any elections.
Yunus reiterated that post the completion of trials at the International Crime Tribunal, India should extradite Sheikh Hasina. He stated that once the trial concludes and the verdict is out, they will request the extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India, asserting that international law obligates India to comply.
Claims of Attacks on Hindus as Propaganda
The allegations of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh were dismissed by Yunus as propaganda. He stated that the concerns expressed by the Indian government regarding Hindu safety are not grounded in facts and are merely 'propaganda'.
On August 5 this year, Sheikh Hasina's government faced an overthrow. Following her resignation as Prime Minister, she relocated to India. Since her departure, relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated, marked by an increase in attacks on Hindus. The recent arrest of Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das has further strained ties. Das was arrested on charges of sedition. His bail hearing in Chittagong court was postponed to January 2 owing to the absence of his legal representative. Supporters claim his lawyer's life is under threat.
Everything Collapsed Under Hasina's Governance
In the interview, Yunus remarked that Bangladesh's interim government has constituted several commissions aimed at reforming the electoral system, constitution, and judiciary. However, he added that implementing these changes will take time as they are in the process of reconstructing Bangladesh from the ground up. Yunus dismissed any intentions of running for office.
He alleged that during Sheikh Hasina's 15-year tenure, Bangladesh was left in ruins. According to him, the governmental structure was completely dismantled under her administration. Yunus accused Hasina of conducting sham elections and declaring herself and her party as uncontested victors, governing as a fascist ruler.
