‘Prof Yunus offered govt chief role on Aug 4’
Staff Reporter :
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam has testified before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) that movement coordinators offered Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus the role of head of government on 4 August last year-just one day before the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Nahid, a key coordinator of the July Uprising, appeared on Thursday as the 47th prosecution witness before a tribunal bench led by Justice Md Golam MortuzaMajumdar.
The case involves charges of crimes against humanity against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and several others.
Hasina fled to India on 5 August 2024, after more than 15 consecutive years in power.
Testimony Before Tribunal
Recounting the events of 4 August, Nahid said students and citizens gathered at Shahbagh for sit-ins and demonstrations, declaring a “March to Dhaka” for 6 August. However, intelligence reports of a crackdown-including curfews and planned shutdowns of mobile and internet services-forced the movement to bring the march forward to 5 August.
“As part of preparations for forming a new government, movement leaders held discussions with Professor Yunus on 4 August and offered him the responsibility of becoming the new head of government,” Nahid told the tribunal.
He also credited student coordinator MahfujAlam for mobilising student groups and civil society organisations ahead of the historic march.
After giving his testimony, Nahid told reporters that he urged the tribunal to ensure justice for the victims of the July Uprising.
“I hold Hasina, the former home minister, and the heads of law enforcement agencies responsible,” he said, adding that those directly involved in killings should be identified and brought to trial.
Speaking to journalists about media control, Nahid said that although some journalists and outlets supported the movement, structural reforms have not materialised.
“The DGFI used to control the media and dictate news coverage-and this practice still continues. Political parties and corporate houses also exert influence,” he said.
He added that during his tenure as information adviser in the interim government, he established a Media Reform Commission to recommend changes, while committees were formed to review cases filed against journalists.
“Those media personnel who acted as accomplices of fascism were supposed to face trial as well,” Nahid noted.
Following the fall of the Awami League government, Nahid briefly served as information adviser before resigning to establish the National Citizen Party, where he now serves as convener.