Post by : Rameen Ariff

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued a sharp critique of the interim government under Muhammad Yunus. In her statement, she accused the regime of facilitating attacks on religious minorities while dismantling the democratic fabric of the nation. This marks her first extensive media engagement since her forced resignation last year, where she labeled the current authority as “illegitimate and dictatorial, afraid to engage with citizens.”

Currently residing in India, Hasina portrayed the last year as a particularly bleak period in her country's political narrative. She provided a detailed account of events leading up to her departure from Dhaka on August 5, 2024, asserting that organized violence had escalated well before her exit. Initially, what began as a student protest morphed into an agenda aimed at destabilizing her democratically elected government.

The attacks on her residence at 32 Dhanmondi, she argued, illustrated a broader effort to erase Bangladesh's secular and democratic ideals. This historic site, associated with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was vandalized by what she believes were state-supported mobs, a scenario she described as “a savage effort to obliterate the sacrifices that carved our nation’s identity.”

One of her serious allegations pointed to rampant violence against Hindus and other minority groups, stating that thousands have been displaced, with their homes, businesses, and places of worship devastated. According to Hasina, the government not only failed to safeguard these communities but also downplayed the extent of the devastation. She warned that extremist factions within the regime have gained confidence due to their elevated positions, fostering an environment where such aggression remains unchecked.

Hasina criticized what she termed as intentional delays in the scheduling of national elections, accusing the Yunus government of postponing the polls out of fear of unfavorable public reaction. She cautioned that elections slated for February may turn into nothing more than a facade if the Awami League, a major political entity, is kept prohibited from participating. Disqualifying this party, she emphasized, disenfranchises countless citizens, undermining the country's foundational principles.

Regarding the increasing extremist presence, Hasina charged the current administration with colluding with radical factions and releasing individuals tied to militant groups. She expressed concerns that such actions could jeopardize not just Bangladesh but the wider region. Her government had long been vigilant against both domestic and international terror networks, efforts she believes are now at risk.

On the topic of international involvement in her ousting, Hasina maintained a reserved stance. While she acknowledged Yunus's international appeal due to his economic policies, she asserted that she lacked “concrete proof” of foreign orchestration in her removal. Nonetheless, she insisted that the global community's support should prioritize democratic values rather than personal preferences.

Expressing gratitude for her refuge in India, Hasina described the bond between the two nations as rooted in mutual respect and shared regional interests. She reiterated that Bangladesh's future should be determined by its citizens, and global allies ought to assist in restoring true democratic governance.

Concluding her remarks, Hasina declared that the struggle for democracy in Bangladesh is far from over. She expressed her belief that the Bangladeshi people would oppose any attempts to undermine their constitutional rights. “A stable and democratic Bangladesh benefits the whole region,” she stated, “and I have faith that the world will support those fighting for freedom, dignity, and the people's will.”

#Global