Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has declared that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with her family and associates, will face trial for crimes against humanity.

Sheikh Hasina Faces Trial

In an interview with Sky News, Chief Advisor Yunus confirmed the legal action. “A trial will be taking place. Not only her, but also all the people who are associated with her - her family members, her clients, or associates,” he said.

Since fleeing Bangladesh in August last year, Hasina has faced serious accusations. Critics blame her government for enforced disappearances and the mass killing of protesters.

Moreover, Yunus revealed that authorities have already issued two arrest warrants against Hasina. The interim government has also sent formal requests to India for her extradition. However, India has not yet responded. Despite this, Yunus emphasized that Hasina must stand trial, whether in person or in absentia.

Government Involvement in Abuses

After Hasina’s removal, many of her aides and officials who ran secret detention centers fled the country.

Recently, Yunus visited one such facility, the "House of Mirrors." He described the experience as deeply disturbing. “This is just the ugliest thing that you can see, you can feel, or you can observe,” he said.

Furthermore, Yunus explained that identifying those responsible is a complex process. “Everybody was involved in it all. The whole government was involved in it. So you cannot distinguish who was really and enthusiastically doing it, who was doing it under orders, and who was not quite supportive but carrying out those kinds of things,” he said.

Bangladesh Prepares for Elections

Meanwhile, Yunus announced that Bangladesh will hold elections in December, 16 months after Hasina’s government collapsed.

Last month, Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also confirmed that elections are scheduled for December 2025.

During his speech on Bangladesh’s 53rd Independence Day, Yunus stressed the need for electoral reforms before the vote. “If additional reforms are needed, and taking into account national consensus, it may take at least another six months,” the 84-year-old leader stated.

Overall, Yunus insists that the country must ensure a fair election process. However, with political tensions still high, the road to democracy remains uncertain.