We’ll Bring Hasina to Justice, or People Won’t Forgive Us: CA

"We’ll bring her [Hasina] to justice. It has to happen, otherwise people will not forgive us," Yunus declared in an interview with The National, a UAE state-owned English daily, on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai.

Yunus also stated that key figures from the former Hasina regime would be pursued and brought back to Bangladesh to face legal action. He emphasized that the interim government has gathered significant evidence, including documentation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which outlines the wrongdoings of Hasina's government.

"This is a testimonial to everything they have done. The UN has documented it, and we have a substantial amount of evidence of what she and her government, and her immediate supporters, have done to the country," said Yunus.

He also revealed that Bangladesh had sent a formal notice to India, requesting Hasina’s repatriation. Hasina fled to India in August 2024, just before protesters stormed her official residence. After ruling for 15 years under a one-party system, her government was toppled following a mass uprising led by students.

The protests, which took place in July and August of the previous year, resulted in more than 1,000 deaths and thousands of injuries.

UAE’s Support During Unrest
During the unrest, protests spread among Bangladeshi communities globally, including in the UAE, where 53 demonstrators were arrested. They were later released following a personal appeal from Yunus to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

"Our relationship with the UAE is fantastic," Yunus said. "I explained to the president of the UAE why they did it. It wasn’t because they were doing something undesirable; they were simply expressing their enthusiasm and support for what was happening in Bangladesh."

Yunus expressed his gratitude for the UAE’s quick response and said the release was a "wonderful gesture" that was widely celebrated in Bangladesh. He noted the significance of the 1.2 million Bangladeshis working in the UAE for their strong bilateral ties.

Domestic Reforms and Future Elections
Yunus also shared that the interim government is focused on domestic reforms to build a prosperous and secure nation, with an emphasis on restoring law and order and reviving the economy and banking system.

Six commissions have been established to reform key institutions such as the judiciary, electoral system, police, public administration, and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

"Our immediate target is to restore law and order and fix the economy so it’s functioning again," Yunus explained.

Regarding national elections, Yunus said they could be held in December, with a focus on transparency and credibility. "We will be happy to have a decent election for the first time in 16 years—a reliable, visible, and transparent election. People will celebrate, and our job will be done," he stated, adding that he would step aside once the elections are completed and an elected government takes over.