The Bangladeshi student leader, who played a pivotal role in the recent political upheaval and is now part of an interim government, has called for the trial of Sheikh Hasina upon her return to Bangladesh. The leader, Nahid Islam, has demanded that Hasina face justice for her alleged involvement in the killings during her term, particularly those linked to recent protests.
The student-led demonstrations that erupted in July against government job quotas swiftly escalated into violent protests aimed at toppling Hasina, who had governed Bangladesh for two decades over the past 30 years. These protests tragically resulted in the deaths of approximately 300 individuals, many of whom were university and college students.
Hasina, who is currently in India under government protection, has stated that she plans to return to Bangladesh once elections are announced in her home country. The main opposition has been pressing for elections to be held within the next three months.
“I am curious why she fled the country,” Nahid Islam, now serving as an adviser in the caretaker government, told Reuters in his first interview since joining the administration on Thursday. Islam, who also oversees the postal, telecommunication, and information technology ministries, emphasized that justice for the killings under Hasina’s regime remains a top priority for the interim government. “We will seek justice for all the killings that happened under her, that has been one of the main demands of our revolution. Even if she does not come back, we will work towards that.”
Islam further stated, “We want to arrest her – whether that will work through the regular judicial system or a special tribunal on that or not, we are discussing how to proceed on the matter.”
Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who resides in the United States, did not respond to requests for comment on the situation. Hasina herself, currently protected by the Indian government, could not be reached for further comment. Abu Baker Mojumder, another student leader, also expressed the desire for Hasina to return and face trial.
Islam highlighted that one of the caretaker government’s main objectives is to ensure a free and fair election, following the opposition’s boycott of the last election. Additionally, the interim administration aims to investigate potential corruption within the previous government. “Bangladesh would need electoral and constitutional reforms before any election, so it was not clear when the next vote would be held,” Islam noted, declining to provide a specific timeline.
Regarding future aspirations, Islam hinted at the possibility of seeking a higher political office, stating, “My ambition on what I next become depends on the people of Bangladesh.” He also criticized India’s relationship with Hasina’s Awami League party, suggesting that India needs to reconsider its foreign policy to avoid potential issues in South Asia. “We want friendly ties with India,” he said. “India also needs to look at its foreign policy, else it will become a problem for the whole of South Asia.”
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