Will formally request Hasina’s extradition after ICT verdict, India obligated to comply: Yunus tells Nikkei Asia

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said Bangladesh will formally request India for former minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition once her trial concludes at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) and a verdict is reached.

In an interview with Japanese newspaper Nikkei Asia, published on its website on Monday, he mentioned that the Tribunal in Bangladesh had issued an arrest warrant for Hasina and others. 

"Once the trial concludes and a verdict is reached, we will formally request India to hand her over," Yunus said, adding that under an international law signed by both countries, "India would be obligated to comply".

Reforms needed before polls

The chief adviser said his government pledges to hold the national election only after constitutional and judicial reforms, including an electoral overhaul.

Yunus said, "We need comprehensive reforms in the economy, governance, bureaucracy and judiciary [before holding elections]." 

Bangladesh's interim government has established several commissions to promote reforms in areas such as the electoral system, constitution and judiciary, the Nikkei report quoted him as saying.

Yunus said the government would implement full-scale reforms after receiving recommendations from those commissions by January.

He said, "Implementing these reforms will take time, as we are essentially building a 'new Bangladesh' from scratch."

The timeline will depend on the reform process, he said, adding that the outcomes will dictate the timing.

'Hasina destroyed everything'

He remarked that the previous regime, led by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, destroyed everything in the country.

"Under her rule, democratic principles were entirely disregarded. She orchestrated sham elections with no voter participation for three consecutive terms, declaring herself and her party the winners unopposed ... and operated as a fascist ruler," he added.

'Mostly propaganda'

Yunus said concerns over the safety of minorities, including Hindus, was mostly sparked by propaganda.

"Much of what's being said about this issue is propaganda and not based on facts."

He invited Indian journalists to investigate these claims and report the reality. "We're working to explain this to the Indian government and counter the misinformation."

'China is our friend'

The chief adviser of the interim government, during the interview, also called China friend. 

"From building roads and power plants to seaports, they're supporting us in various ways." He added that Bangladesh would continue to cooperate with Beijing.

Malaysia will chair ASEAN from January, and Yunus said that he had discussed Bangladesh's membership with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Yunus said, "He [Anwar Ibrahim] expressed his willingness to welcome Bangladesh into ASEAN, although there are several steps to accession."

The first step would be securing a unanimous resolution to amend that definition [of ASEAN] and include Bangladesh, he noted. "Meanwhile, we aim to gain recognition as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner within ASEAN, and we are optimistic that member states will support this effort."

Safe zone in Myanmar

Responding to a question about the Rohingya issue, Yunus said the Rohingyas should return to Myanmar.

"How long can Bangladesh bear this responsibility? We need a clear destination and a shared objective to resolve this crisis," he said.

He also advocated for the establishment of a UN-administered safe zone in Myanmar. "This would allow the Rohingyas to stay in camps within their own country. If the situation in Myanmar stabilises, they could return to their homes without needing to be relocated to another country."

'Always stayed away from politics'

Asked if he would run in the election, he rejected the idea, saying he is not a politician and always stayed away from politics.

"Individuals who uphold principles, follow rules and procedures, and are free from corruption should stand for election," he added.