Hasina accuses Yunus of minority genocide.
Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has been residing in India since fleeing her country amidst widespread anti-government protests that erupted in July and August. These protests, marked by large-scale demonstrations and civil unrest, were fueled by growing dissatisfaction with her government’s handling of various socio-economic and political issues. The opposition parties, along with numerous civil society groups, have accused Hasina’s administration of corruption, authoritarianism, and failure to address pressing concerns such as inflation, unemployment, and human rights violations.
The protests reached a critical point in mid-August, with thousands of people taking to the streets in Dhaka and other major cities, demanding her resignation and the establishment of a caretaker government to oversee the upcoming national elections. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies resulted in several casualties, intensifying the political crisis. Facing mounting pressure and threats to her safety, Hasina made the decision to leave Bangladesh.
Since her arrival in India, Hasina has been engaging in diplomatic discussions with Indian officials, seeking support for her political stance and exploring strategies to stabilize the situation in Bangladesh. Her presence in India has sparked both domestic and international attention, with many speculating on the implications for Bangladesh-India relations and regional stability.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders in Bangladesh continue to mobilize support, calling for reforms and an end to what they describe as Hasina’s autocratic rule. The political landscape remains uncertain as the nation prepares for a pivotal electoral period.
New Delhi: Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Launches Fierce Attack on Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus Over Minority Persecution
Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has launched a sharp criticism of the country’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of failing to protect minorities and perpetrating what she described as “genocide.” Speaking in a virtual address during an event in New York, Hasina expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the safety of religious and ethnic minorities, including Hindus.
In her speech, Hasina alleged that Yunus has not only neglected his duty to safeguard minority communities but has also actively contributed to their persecution.
The former Prime Minister also revealed chilling details about threats to her personal safety. “They want to silence us just like they silenced my father,” Hasina said, her voice filled with emotion.
International organizations and human rights groups have also raised alarms about the situation in Bangladesh. One prominent international official, speaking at the same event, echoed Hasina’s concerns. The government must take immediate steps to ensure the safety and rights of all its citizens,” he said.
Hasina painted a bleak picture of the current state of justice in Bangladesh, asserting that the judiciary has been compromised under Yunus’s leadership. They took everything from me without allowing me to follow proper procedures.”
The political crisis in Bangladesh has escalated since Hasina’s ousting, with widespread protests and civil unrest erupting across the country. Many of her supporters view her removal from power as a political coup orchestrated by her rivals, including Yunus. The unrest has led to numerous clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in casualties and further destabilizing the nation.
Since her exile, Hasina has been seeking international support to regain political legitimacy and draw attention to the human rights situation in Bangladesh. Her speech in New York is part of a broader effort to galvanize global pressure on Yunus and his interim government.
Meanwhile, opposition forces within Bangladesh continue to call for Yunus’s resignation and the establishment of a caretaker government to oversee free and fair elections. However, Yunus has defended his actions, claiming that his leadership is necessary to restore order and stability in the country.
As the political deadlock persists, the future of Bangladesh remains uncertain. Observers are closely watching how international pressure and domestic protests will shape the country’s trajectory in the coming months. Hasina’s return to power, while uncertain, could dramatically alter the political landscape and bring renewed focus to the protection of minority rights and democratic governance in Bangladesh.