Bangladesh govt chief urges India to return Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, addressed the growing concern surrounding the timing of the upcoming elections. Acknowledging that many people are questioning when the elections will take place, Yunus confirmed that the government has already started taking the necessary steps to ensure their timely conduct. He reassured the public that preparations are underway and emphasized that the government is committed to holding free and fair elections. Yunus’s remarks came amidst political uncertainty and increasing pressure on the administration to set a clear election date, with many citizens eager to see the democratic process unfold.
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus Announces Plan to Seek Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition
Dhaka: Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, addressing the nation on Sunday, declared that the interim government would seek the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister who fled to India following the fall of her government amid mass protests in August. In his speech marking the 100-day milestone of the interim government, Yunus expressed his administration’s continued commitment to securing the safety of all citizens, including religious minorities.
The comments, reported by the state-run BSS news agency, marked a shift in Yunus’s position. Earlier, in an interview with the Financial Times last month, he had stated that his government would not immediately pursue Hasina’s extradition from India. However, in his address, Yunus stressed that justice must be served for all victims of violence, saying, “We must ensure justice in every killing,” and confirmed that the government would formally request India to send back Hasina.
Hasina, 77, fled Bangladesh on August 5 after resigning in the wake of widespread protests led by students and workers, who opposed her government’s controversial quota system in public sector jobs. Hasina landed at the Hindon airbase near Delhi, but after her arrival, she was believed to have been relocated to an undisclosed location and has not been seen in public since then. The protests, which were sparked by allegations of discriminatory policies, led to violent clashes, with numerous casualties.
Yunus, who assumed office on August 8, described the period under Hasina’s government as one marked by severe unrest. He claimed that approximately 1,500 people, including students and workers, were killed during the protests, and nearly 20,000 others were injured. Yunus also highlighted that the interim government had arranged treatment for the injured, with specialized hospitals, including 13 in Dhaka, providing care for the wounded.
Addressing the issue of violence against religious minorities, Yunus assured the nation that the government was investigating incidents where such communities had been targeted. While acknowledging that there had been some cases of violence against the Hindu minority, Yunus dismissed the notion that the country was in a state of widespread insecurity. He stated that the media had exaggerated the situation, and that the violence in question had largely been politically motivated. He further stated that efforts had been made to prevent violence from being framed as religious persecution.
In his speech, Yunus noted that, under his government’s oversight, the Durga Puja festival had been celebrated peacefully across the country. Security measures were taken to ensure the Hindu community could celebrate the festival without incident, especially given that Hindus make up approximately 8% of Bangladesh’s population. Despite challenges, such as vandalism of businesses and destruction of temples during the protests that led to Hasina’s ousting, Yunus emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of their religion.
Looking ahead, Yunus revealed that the Election Commission (EC) would be formed soon, with a roadmap for elections to be unveiled after necessary electoral reforms are completed. Yunus addressed the growing public curiosity about the election timeline, confirming that steps had already been taken to prepare for the upcoming elections. The interim government has been under increasing pressure to ensure the democratic process is carried out smoothly and without further delay.
Yunus’s speech reflects a government focused on stabilizing the country after months of unrest, while also signaling a potential shift in the political landscape. The situation remains fluid as the interim government works to navigate the complex political, social, and legal issues surrounding Hasina’s departure and the upcoming elections.