News Brief
Nobel laureate and head of Interim Government in Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus (X)
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser of the interim government Muhammad Yunus said Sunday (17 November) that his administration will seek the extradition of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, where she has been in exile post the toppling of Awami League government in August 2024.
In a televised address marking 100 days of his administration, Yunus declared, "We will ensure justice for every killing during the July-August revolution."
He emphasised ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable, adding, "Efforts to prosecute those responsible are progressing well, and we will demand Hasina’s return from India to hold her accountable.”
Yunus's recent remarks came a week after his interim government said it will seek Interpol's assistance in repatriating the deposed PM from India and other 'fugitives' to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity.
Yunus further added that the most immediate and important task of his government was to hold fresh elections and hand over the administration to an elected government. He further added that his administration would bring about reforms in various sectors including the electoral system.
On the issue of worsening conditions of minorities, Yunus said his government is investigating every incident in a few cases where religious minorities were subjected to violence.
"We have tried our best so that any citizen of the country, not only Hindu community members, doesn’t become a victim of violence. We will continue these efforts," he said in his address to the nation.
While acknowledging instances of violence, Yunus downplayed their scale, attributing them primarily to political conflicts. He dismissed the media portrayal of these events as overly exaggerated.