DHAKA, March 5: Bangladesh’s interim government Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, revealed that Bangladesh had sent formal letters to India requesting the extradition of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina but has yet to receive an official response from New Delhi.

In an interview with UK-based Sky News, Yunus stated that Hasina, now 77, would face trial for alleged crimes against humanity. He mentioned that the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants against Hasina and several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and officials for crimes including genocide. Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5 last year after a student-led uprising led to the fall of her Awami League government, which had been in power for 16 years. She has been living in India since then.

“A trial will take place—not just against her but also against those associated with her, including family members, clients, and collaborators,” Yunus stated. Despite sending diplomatic communications, including a “note verbale” from the Bangladesh High Commission, India has yet to provide any response.

However, Yunus emphasized that Hasina would face trial, either in person in Bangladesh or in absentia while residing in India. He also recounted visiting one of the secret “House of Mirrors” jails allegedly operated under Hasina’s administration, describing the conditions as “the ugliest thing that you can see or feel.” The facilities are accused of being used for the abduction, torture, and murder of hundreds of activists.

Hasina denies the allegations, claiming that she is a victim of political persecution. Reports suggest that Hasina and several of her associates, accused of running up to 800 secret jails, fled the country as protests intensified.

The United Nations estimates that the violent crackdown on demonstrators in July and August of last year led to the deaths of as many as 1,400 people. Yunus, who assumed office on August 8, alleged that around 1,500 people were killed and nearly 20,000 others wounded during the uprising against Hasina’s regime. He also noted that the large number of individuals implicated in the alleged crimes has delayed judicial proceedings, emphasizing the government’s commitment to pursuing justice for the victims.