Dhaka: Exiled former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the country’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, of orchestrating a violent conspiracy to remove her from power. In a virtual interaction with the widows of slain policemen, Hasina vowed to return and hold those responsible accountable. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s current administration reaffirmed its commitment to securing her extradition from India.
Hasina, who fled to India after being ousted in a student-led uprising on August 5, 2024, spoke via Zoom on Monday with the families of four police officers killed during the protests. Expressing her condolences, she promised justice, asserting that their deaths were part of a calculated scheme to force her out of office.
"This was all part of his well-planned plot to remove me," she declared, adding, "I will return and ensure those responsible face justice."
The former leader accused Yunus of dismantling investigative committees and enabling violence across the nation. She further claimed that Bangladesh was descending into lawlessness under his rule.
"They are tearing this country apart," she said, alleging that the interim government had turned a blind eye to widespread violence.
Hasina also recounted a narrow escape from an alleged assassination attempt during the turmoil that led to her removal, saying, "By God's grace, I survived. I have a mission—to restore justice."
Protests and the Fall of Hasina’s Government
The July-August 2024 student demonstrations initially erupted over a contentious quota system but quickly escalated into mass protests demanding Hasina's resignation. During the crackdown on dissent, four police officers lost their lives, and nearly 450 police stations were torched.
Hasina squarely blamed Yunus for the uprising, stating that he had admitted to "a planned effort" to remove her from power.
"He and his allies will face justice on Bangladeshi soil," she asserted, referring to Yunus as a "mobster."
She also criticized the interim government, stating, "This illegitimate administration must go. The people of Bangladesh must stand against this regime and its human rights violations."
Following Hasina’s remarks, Bangladesh’s interim leadership reiterated its commitment to extraditing her from India.
"Bringing Sheikh Hasina back to stand trial is our topmost priority," said Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Muhammad Yunus, on Tuesday.
He also cast doubt on the future of Hasina’s Awami League, stating that the Bangladeshi people and political parties would determine its political survival. However, he stressed that individuals accused of crimes, including enforced disappearances and killings, would be held accountable.
Alam cited a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which accused Hasina’s government of crimes against humanity. He suggested that this report had increased international pressure on India to reconsider harboring the ousted leader.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Office has officially requested Hasina’s repatriation, submitting a diplomatic note to New Delhi. While India has acknowledged receipt of the request, it has yet to issue an official response.
