Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has stated that he and his associates held discussions with Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus last year regarding the formation of a new government.
According to Islam, on August 4, 2024, they proposed that Yunus assume the position of head of the interim government.
Islam made these remarks while appearing as the 47th witness in the trial concerning alleged crimes against humanity during the July 2024 uprising. The case, currently underway at the International Crimes Tribunal-1, names former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others as defendants.
During his testimony on Thursday, Nahid Islam detailed the sequence of events leading to the formation of the interim government. On August 5, 2024, mass protests led to the fall of the government led by Sheikh Hasina, who subsequently fled to India. Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh from France on August 8, and an interim government was formed under his leadership.
Islam recounted that on August 4, students staged sit-ins and protests at Shahbagh, while plans were underway for a “March to Dhaka” scheduled for August 6. However, anticipating severe government crackdowns—including curfews, internet and mobile shutdowns, and potential violence—they moved the march forward to August 5.
According to Islam, Mahfuz Alam, then coordinator of the student movement and now an advisor on Information and Broadcasting, coordinated with other student organizations and civil society to ensure the success of the march.
He also described the massive influx of people from across the country into Dhaka and the violent clashes near Shahbagh, Shahid Minar, and Chankharpul. Eventually, protesters occupied Shahbagh, and reports emerged that Sheikh Hasina had resigned and fled by helicopter. Islam emphasized that the interim government demanded the release of all detained individuals and made it clear that they would not accept any military-backed administration.
Islam further held Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, police officials, and other security personnel responsible for the widespread killings and human rights violations that occurred during the nationwide unrest.
The other two accused in the case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, the latter of whom has admitted guilt and served as a government witness in the trial.
