Dhaka, Bangladesh – Nobel laureate and Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus sharply criticized the recently ousted Awami League (AL) on Tuesday, accusing the party of having “all characteristics of fascism” and indicating it has “no place” in the country’s politics in immediate future. Yunus, 84, made the remarks in an interview with Financial Times following the student-led uprising in August that led to the removal of long-standing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League government.
Yunus’s statements mark the interim government’s strongest stance yet on the political future of the Awami League, which has dominated Bangladeshi politics for more than 15 years. Nobel laureate’s remarks suggest a hardline approach toward AL, citing allegations of authoritarian control over political and state institutions during Hasina’s tenure. However, Yunus emphasized that his interim government would not decide the ultimate fate of the party, stressing that it was “not a political government” but a transitional one.
Criticisms of a “Fascist” Legacy
In his comments, Yunus outlined his belief that Awami League had undermined democratic principles in Bangladesh, saying the party had manipulated “people, [political] machinery, and institutions” to serve its own interests. “No fascist party should be in existence in a democratic system,” he said, adding that AL would be barred from politics in the short term.
Political rivals and human rights organizations have previously accused Awami League of election rigging, extrajudicial killings, and seizing control of state institutions to sustain its hold on power. Yunus’s remarks suggest his interim administration may implement measures to dismantle structures that allegedly enabled the party’s domination.
Avoiding Diplomatic Strains with India
In a measured approach to diplomatic tensions, Yunus said his government would not immediately pursue extradition of Sheikh Hasina, who is reportedly in India. Instead, he indicated that any extradition request would await the verdict of a domestic criminal tribunal, which recently issued an arrest warrant against Hasina on charges of crimes against humanity. Yunus argued, “In the short run, definitely she has no place – Awami League doesn’t have a place – in Bangladesh.”
Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, has publicly denied accusations of his mom’s involvement in violence against protesters, asserting her willingness to face charges. This position aligns with Hasina’s ongoing defense against allegations, which she calls politically motivated.
Awami League’s Prospects in Future Politics
Yunus speculated that Awami League might disintegrate, though he noted that the interim administration would leave decisions about the party’s future participation in elections to “a consensus” among political parties. With parliamentary elections planned, Yunus’s interim cabinet has launched reforms aimed at restructuring institutions, including the judiciary, police, and public administration. Although he refrained from setting a timeline for elections, Yunus emphasized that his government’s primary objective was to “get things settled” and enact a “new reform agenda” to facilitate a credible electoral process.
Unrest and Regional Reactions
transition of power in Bangladesh has strained relations with India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the safety of Bangladesh’s minority Hindus. Indian officials have alleged that regime change was backed by the United States and have raised concerns over reported retaliations against Awami League’s supporters. Following the ousting of Hasina’s government, numerous AL members fled or went into hiding, while some were reportedly killed in retaliatory attacks by opposition members and those previously targeted by the regime.
Bangladesh’s health ministry has reported that around 800 people, including protesters, bystanders, and police, were killed in the unrest, though human rights groups have not confirmed widespread atrocities against Hindus. Yunus acknowledged “some incidents” of violence against Hindus, attributing se attacks to political affiliation rather than religious identity, emphasizing that fatalities were limited.
A Path Forward for Bangladesh
Yunus, a former economics professor renowned for his pioneering work in microfinance, has reiterated that he has no political ambitions beyond his interim role. His government has formed ten commissions to address reforms across various sectors, and Yunus aims to complete a “new reform agenda” before handing over power to an elected government.
“We will consult with political parties when election preparations are done,” Yunus said, underscoring his commitment to a transparent and inclusive political transition. Meanwhile, the future of the Awami League remains uncertain, and its role in the political landscape will depend on decisions made by a broader coalition of Bangladeshi political parties.
