Dhaka:
Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has accused the interim government leader Muhammad Yunus of betraying the nation to the United States. She also criticized the recent ban on her Awami League party, labeling it as unconstitutional. In an audio message shared on her party’s Facebook page, the ousted leader of Bangladesh claimed that Yunus had taken over the government with the help of extremist groups.
On August 7, 2024, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the transitional leader of the interim government following protests led by students that led to Hasina’s resignation and departure from Bangladesh. Hasina’s latest criticism came amidst reports suggesting that Yunus had threatened to resign after the military called for general elections to be held in December in Bangladesh.
She alleged that Yunus, who had gained international acclaim during her tenure, had handed over the government to “terrorists” who her government had fought against.Â
“My father did not bow down to America’s pressure regarding St. Martin’s Island. He sacrificed his life for that cause. I never had the intention of betraying the country to cling to power,” she stated.
Recalling the struggles for Bangladesh’s independence alongside her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she emphasized the importance of preserving the nation’s sovereignty. She questioned the turn of events that led to Yunus assuming power despite being a revered figure both nationally and internationally.
Hasina reiterated her claims that Yunus had taken control of Bangladesh with the support of extremist groups. “He has assumed power with the backing of terrorists, including those banned internationally, whom my government had combated. We took stringent measures after any terrorist incident, arresting many individuals. However, now the jails are empty, and all have been released. Bangladesh is now under the control of these militants,” she asserted.
Referring to Yunus as a “militant leader,” she condemned the government’s decision to outlaw the Awami League in Bangladesh, deeming it unlawful and in violation of the constitution.
“The constitution of our beloved Bengali nation, acquired through lengthy struggles and the liberation war, should not be tampered with by this militant leader who has unlawfully seized power. He lacks the people’s mandate and constitutional legitimacy. The position of Chief Advisor lacks any foundation and is non-existent. Therefore, altering laws without parliamentary approval is illegal. The ban imposed on the Awami League is unjust,” Hasina added.
