Sheikh Hasina Challenges Yunus Government to Face the ICC

Staff Correspondent

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has challenged the interim government’s chief advisor Dr. Yunus to be taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for an impartial investigation into the allegations raised.

In an email interview with CNN-News18, Sheikh Hasina called the death sentence announced against her by the Yunus government’s tribunal an “attempt at political assassination in the name of justice.”

“This is a political assassination attempt in the name of justice. The so-called criminal tribunal is neither international nor impartial—as many respected foreign jurists have pointed out. Its verdict was engineered by my political opponents,” Sheikh Hasina said.

He emphasized that it was not safe for him to return to Dhaka during Yunus’s rule.

“I have repeatedly challenged the interim government to take these allegations to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Yunus refuses because they know the ICC will acquit me and investigate his government’s atrocious record of human rights violations,” he added.

It is worth noting that on November 17, Bangladesh’s ICT sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death for using force to suppress protests in July last year. This is the first time in the country’s history that a prime minister has been sentenced to death. The ICT was established by Sheikh Hasina herself, but the tribunal was reconstituted after the fall of her government following last year’s protests.

Allegations that the Yunus government is holding a show trial there to satisfy political vendetta are already being discussed in the international community.

Expressing gratitude for India’s support, Sheikh Hasina said, “I am deeply grateful that the people of India have accepted me as their guest. I did not want to leave my country, but if I did, there was a risk of violence against me and those who wanted to protect me.”

He added, “Justice will come through international pressure and the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. Human Rights Watch, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Amnesty International—all have condemned this trial process.”

“My path to justice depends on the restoration of constitutional rule and the rule of law in Bangladesh, not on the decisions of any single country,” he emphasized.

Sheikh Hasina expressed concern about the deterioration of India-Bangladesh relations during the Yunus regime.

“I have no doubt that our relationship with India will survive Yunus’ temporary folly. India is not just a strategic partner, but a friend who shares culture, history and a 4,000-kilometer border.”

“When Bangladeshis can vote freely, they will elect a leader who will be the friend India deserves. I appreciate our neighbor’s patience until enlightenment comes,” concluded the constitutionally elected prime minister.