The trial of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in connection with the July-August massacre case will begin in early May, said Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus.
He made the remarks during an interview on Qatar-based Al Jazeera’s programme "Talk to Al Jazeera," aired on Sunday (April 27).
In the interview titled "Bangladesh’s future: Change or elite reshuffle?", Dr Yunus spoke on various issues, including the July Revolution, Sheikh Hasina’s escape to India, and corruption during her government.
Regarding Hasina’s trial, Dr Yunus said that the UN report proved her role in the crimes, and her formal trial process will start at the beginning of May.
When asked whether the "honeymoon" period after Hasina’s fall is now over and if major challenges lie ahead, Dr Yunus said the people still support the interim government. He mentioned that citizens are not demanding immediate elections, suggesting continued public trust.
On the Rohingya issue, Dr Yunus said it is a separate matter. Bangladesh is working with the United Nations and other agencies to ensure the safe return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, he said, stressing the need for an agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Dr Yunus also pledged to deliver meaningful reforms and hold the best election in Bangladesh’s history. He said if the list of reforms remains small, elections could be held by December, and if bigger reforms are needed, elections will take place by June next year, but not beyond that.
Asked if the Awami League would be allowed to participate in the election, Dr Yunus said the party must first decide on its own whether to join. He added that the Election Commission’s decisions and the law would also play roles.
When asked about Sheikh Hasina’s activities in India and how Bangladesh views her stay there, Dr Yunus said he spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, urging him to ensure that Hasina does not make provocative statements.
Dr Yunus said Modi responded by saying that India is a free country where social media cannot be fully controlled.
He also mentioned that Bangladesh has formally requested India to return Sheikh Hasina, but there has been no reply yet. Once the legal proceedings begin, the court will issue notices, and further steps will be taken to bring her back, he added.
MSK/
