Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today stated that the conviction and sentencing of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates underscore a fundamental principle that no one, regardless of power, is above the law. “Today, the courts of Bangladesh have spoken with a clarity that resonates across the nation and beyond,” he said in a statement issued by his press wing tonight.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this verdict offers vital, if insufficient, justice to the thousands harmed in the uprising of July and August 2024, and to the families who still endure their loss. Prof Yunus emphasized the need to rebuild democratic foundations that have been damaged by years of oppression. He highlighted the crimes at issue, which included the ordering of lethal force against young people and children whose only weapons were their voices, as violations of both national laws and the fundamental bond between government and citizens.
Prof Yunus remarked that these actions offended the core values of Bangladeshis: dignity, resilience, and a commitment to justice. He noted that as many as 1,400 lives were lost, including students, parents, and citizens with rights. He pointed out that months of testimony detailed how lethal force, including from helicopters, was used against unarmed protesters. “This verdict recognizes their suffering and confirms that our justice system will hold perpetrators accountable,” he said.
The Chief Adviser also noted that Bangladesh is now rejoining global currents of accountability. He acknowledged the students and citizens who stood for change, understanding the risks they took for genuine representation. Prof Yunus asserted that the path ahead requires not just legal accountability but also rebuilding trust between institutions and citizens, emphasizing the importance of creating systems worthy of that trust.
He expressed confidence that Bangladesh will meet the challenges ahead with courage and humility. Prof Yunus affirmed that with a commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and each person’s potential, justice will not merely survive in Bangladesh but will prevail and sustain.
Earlier today, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 sentenced Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death for crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising. Alongside this, the Tribunal awarded former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun a “lenient sentence” of five years’ imprisonment for making a full disclosure of the events and cooperating with investigators as a state approver.