Muhammad Yunus, who heads Bangladesh’s interim government as its chief adviser, on Monday responded to the death sentence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) by offering justice to the thousands of people and families harmed in the 2024 student protest.
In a lengthy statement on X, Yunus said that no one would be above the law.
“Today, Bangladesh’s courts spoke with a clarity that resonates across the nation and beyond. The convictions and sentences confirm a fundamental principle: no one, regardless of power, is above the law. This judgment offers vital, if insufficient, justice to the thousands harmed in the July and August 2024 uprisings and to the families still grieving their loss.”
Yunus called the moment a time to rebuild the democratic foundations destroyed by years of oppression, saying that ordering lethal force against young people and children violates fundamental laws and the bond between the government and its citizens.
“These acts outraged the core values of Bangladesh: dignity, resilience and commitment to justice,” he said.
A special tribunal in Bangladesh on Monday sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death and found her guilty of crimes against humanity.
“Months of testimony have detailed how deadly force, even from helicopters, was used against unarmed protesters. This verdict recognizes their suffering and affirms that our justice system will hold perpetrators accountable,” Yunus said.
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The verdict comes shortly before Bangladesh goes to vote for its first government since the ouster of Hasina on August 5 last year.
“Bangladesh is now rejoining the global streams of responsibility. The students and citizens behind the change understood this and many paid with their lives – giving their today for our tomorrow,” Yunus said in a statement.
“The way forward requires not only legal accountability, but also the restoration of trust between institutions and citizens. Understanding why people risk everything for real representation – and creating systems that deserve that trust – is essential. Today’s verdict is a step on that path,” he added.
He exuded confidence that Bangladesh would “win and hold on” despite the challenges.
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“I strongly believe that Bangladesh will face the challenges ahead with courage and humility. With a commitment to the rule of law, human rights and the potential of every person, justice in Bangladesh will not only survive. It will prevail and endure,” Yunus said.
Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death
A special tribunal investigating Sheikh Hasina’s role in the killing of protesters during the 2024 student uprising found her guilty of all charges and sentenced the former prime minister to death.
A three-judge jury found the ousted leader guilty of ordering the killing of students and instructing law enforcement to use drones, helicopters and other weapons against civilians.
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“Sheikh Hasina ordered the law enforcement agencies to use drones to locate the gathered protesters and then use helicopters and lethal weapons to kill them,” Judge Golam Mortuza Mozumder said while reading the verdict on Monday.
