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Sanjeeb Wazed, son of ousted Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina, has accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of “weaponising the judiciary” to carry out a “political witch hunt” against the Awami League leadership.
His allegations made in a detailed post on X, came shortly after the Bangladeshi interim government sent a diplomatic note to New Delhi seeking Hasina’s extradition.
Hasina, 77, has been residing in India since August 5, after fleeing Bangladesh amid massive student-led protests that toppled her 16-year rule. Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has since issued arrest warrants for her and several former cabinet members, citing “crimes against humanity and genocide.”
In his post, Wazed, an IT entrepreneur and former ICT adviser in Hasina’s government, condemned the ICT process, describing it as a “farcical trial” orchestrated by judges and prosecutors appointed by the unelected Yunus-led regime.
He claimed the tribunal was part of a broader effort to persecute Awami League leaders, alleging extrajudicial killings, mass incarcerations, and violent attacks on party activists.
“The kangaroo tribunal and subsequent request for extradition come while hundreds of leaders and activists are extrajudicially killed, framed with outrageous charges, and subjected to violent attacks, including looting, vandalism, and arson,” Wazed wrote.
India confirmed receiving the diplomatic communication but refrained from commenting. Under the India-Bangladesh extradition treaty, extradition can be denied for offenses of a “political character.”
Bangladesh’s de facto foreign minister Touhid Hossain pointed out that Dhaka seeks Hasina’s return to face judicial proceedings.
However, Wazed expressed no confidence in the ICT, citing the appointment of chief prosecutor Tajul Islam, whom he accused of spreading misinformation about an alleged Interpol red notice against Hasina.
“This is a desperate bid to extradite her and hold a farcical trial to serve the interests of Dr Yunus,” Wazed alleged, pointing out that the prosecutor later retracted his statement after media exposure.
“We reiterate our position that every single incident of human rights violation between July and August need to be investigated in a free and fair manner but the Yunus led regime weaponised the judiciary, and we express no confidence on the justice system,” he added.
Meanwhile, Yunus, who assumed office on August 8, defended the government’s actions. In a national address marking 100 days in power, he confirmed plans to seek Hasina’s extradition, saying, “We must ensure justice in every killing.” Yunus also claimed that over 1,500 people had been killed and nearly 20,000 injured during protests leading to Hasina’s ouster.
India has expressed growing concerns about attacks on minorities, including Hindus, in neighbouring Bangladesh since the political upheaval. During a recent visit to its capital, Dhaka, foreign secretary Vikram Misri raised these issues, emphasising the safety and welfare of minorities.
In response, Hasina has accused the interim government of perpetrating “genocide” and failing to protect minority communities.
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