Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the trials of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her allies are a top priority of his government.
During a meeting with the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, on the sidelines of the UNGA, Professor Yunus stressed that the trials were being conducted in accordance with international legal standards.
鈥楧espite facing trial, she continues to make incendiary and destabilising remarks,鈥� Professor Yunus said, adding that the interim government has sought her extradition to face justice.
The Finnish president met with chief adviser Professor Yunus on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh, United Nations reform, the Rohingya crisis, the Russia-Ukraine war, Bangladesh鈥檚 bid to join ASEAN, the trials of Sheikh Hasina and her associates and the country's efforts to access hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan.
Professor Yunus expressed gratitude to the international community for its continued support of the interim government since it assumed office in August last year. 鈥業nternational support for our government over the past 14 months has been overwhelming,鈥� he said.
The chief adviser reaffirmed the interim government鈥檚 commitment to holding free, fair and credible elections in February, allowing the country鈥檚 126 million voters to cast their ballots peacefully and in a festive atmosphere.
鈥極ur people have been deprived of a free and fair election for the past 15 years. Now, they are eagerly looking forward to February,鈥� he added.
Professor Yunus told president Stubb that major political and institutional reforms were underway in Bangladesh, and said political parties are expected to sign the July Charter, a framework for deeper political reform.
President Stubb also enquired about the foreign policy direction of the Interim Government. In response, Professor Yunus said Bangladesh is working to revive SAARC and is actively pursuing ASEAN membership.
鈥榃e envision Bangladesh as a key bridge between SAARC and ASEAN. Our application for a Sectoral Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN is a step toward eventual full membership,鈥� he explained.
The Finnish president raised concerns about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and emphasised the urgent need for reforming the United Nations to enhance its global effectiveness. 鈥楾he world order is shifting. We must strengthen the UN,鈥� said president Stubb.
In agreement, professor Yunus remarked that the UN has become largely ineffective in addressing major global crises. 鈥楾here is growing uncertainty worldwide, and the UN has largely lost its ability to meaningfully influence critical issues,鈥� he said.
The two leaders also addressed the protracted Rohingya crisis and the importance of increased international funding to support over one million refugees currently hosted by Bangladesh.
They also discussed regional connectivity, particularly Bangladesh鈥檚 strategic role in allowing landlocked Nepal and Bhutan 鈥� as well as India鈥檚 northeastern states 鈥� access to the Chattogram Port.
鈥楾his initiative will significantly accelerate economic growth across the region,鈥� Professor Yunus said.
Energy adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan and SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed were also present at the meeting.
