New Delhi, Nov 20 (NationPress) Following the controversial sentencing of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, to death for alleged crimes against humanity, her son, Sajeeb Wazed, has condemned the entire judicial proceedings as a mere facade. He further described the regime led by Mohammad Yunus as "unelected, unconstitutional, and illegal."

In absentia, Sheikh Hasina was sentenced by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka on Wednesday, accused of crimes stemming from a violent crackdown during student protests last year.

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Sajeeb Wazed discussed the implications of the death sentence, Bangladesh's extradition request to India regarding his mother, and the influence of Pakistan on the Yunus-led government.

Here are the highlights from the interview:

IANS: How do you respond to the death sentence given to Sheikh Hasina?

Sajeeb Wazed: This decision is completely illegal and a mockery of justice. We are dealing with a government that is unelected, unconstitutional, and illegal. To expedite the trial, they amended laws without parliamentary approval, which is impossible without an active parliament. The tribunal dismissed 17 judges and appointed a new one who lacks experience and has openly expressed bias against my mother. Additionally, my mother was not allowed to choose her legal representation; instead, they appointed lawyers for her. Typically, such trials in Bangladesh take years, but this one was rushed and completed in just 140 days. It’s a travesty of justice.

IANS: Does this relate to the upcoming elections in Bangladesh?

Sajeeb Wazed: Absolutely, the timing of the conviction is politically motivated, aimed at preventing my mother from running in the elections. This is a blatant violation of due process. They can't legally ban someone from elections without a conviction, which is why they rushed through the trial. Our party, the Awami League, has been effectively barred from participating in elections, which is the oldest and largest political party in Bangladesh. This regime has also partially banned the Jatiya Party and other secular factions, allowing only right-wing parties to participate, making this situation a farce aimed at establishing a controlled government.

IANS: With Bangladesh requesting India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, do you see this as a legitimate appeal?

Sajeeb Wazed: For extradition to occur, a legitimate legal framework must exist, which it does not under this regime. Due process has been ignored entirely, making any extradition request from India legally untenable. India has no obligations here.

IANS: What is your assessment of Prime Minister Modi's role in protecting your mother?

Sajeeb Wazed: I am immensely thankful to PM Modi. He has played a crucial role in ensuring my mother’s safety and well-being.

IANS: How should India react to Bangladesh's extradition request?

Sajeeb Wazed: I am confident that the Modi government will not succumb to the illegal pressures from Yunus's regime.

IANS: Is there a conspiracy by the Yunus regime to harm your mother?

Sajeeb Wazed: They won't be able to harm her. They can't even touch her. Once the rule of law is restored, this entire illegitimate process will be nullified. Everything happening right now is unconstitutional and violates legal principles.

IANS: If the Congress party were in power, how would they react?

Sajeeb Wazed: They would have followed the same legal principles as the current government does, as India upholds the rule of law.

IANS: Why has Rahul Gandhi not publicly supported your mother?

Sajeeb Wazed: I choose not to comment on that.

IANS: How is Pakistan influencing the Yunus-led government?

Sajeeb Wazed: Pakistan has been involved in influencing this government from the start, supporting protests against my mother. The Yunus government has fostered close ties with Pakistan and allowed organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba to operate freely within Bangladesh, essentially turning the country into a haven for terrorism.

IANS: Should the Nobel Prize awarded to Yunus be revoked considering the human rights violations in Bangladesh?

Sajeeb Wazed: While Nobel committees rarely revoke awards, one can look at other laureates like Aung San Suu Kyi. The Nobel Peace Prize often reflects political lobbying; Yunus is transforming Bangladesh into a failed state.

IANS: Will Sheikh Hasina return to Bangladesh?

Sajeeb Wazed: I am confident she will return. She is the daughter of Bangladesh, and our party remains strong with millions of supporters.

IANS: Are Awami League members facing oppression under the current government?

Sajeeb Wazed: Yes, many of our leaders and activists are imprisoned without trials. They are political prisoners denied bail repeatedly.

IANS: Is the Yunus regime engaging in vendetta against Sheikh Hasina and Awami League?

Sajeeb Wazed: Absolutely. This is political revenge, supported by Jamaat-e-Islami, who opposed Bangladesh's independence and is now allied with Yunus.