Hasina Criticizes Yunus Leadership, Claims Hindu Attacks Were Supported

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has vehemently condemned the provisional government led by Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of facilitating assaults on religious minorities and deteriorating the nation’s democratic principles. During her first significant media interaction since her unexpected ouster last summer, Hasina branded the current regime as "illegitimate, authoritarian, and fearful of engaging with the electorate."

In India, where she is currently in exile, Hasina characterized the past year as among the darkest in Bangladesh’s political saga. She vividly recalled the sequence of events that compelled her to flee Dhaka on August 5, 2024, asserting that violence was becoming orchestrated long before her departure. What began as a student-led movement, she claims, was co-opted by forces aimed at overthrowing her elected government rather than enacting reform.

Hasina pointed out that the attacks on her official residence at 32 Dhanmondi represented a broader conspiracy to obliterate Bangladesh’s secular and democratic identity. The site, which carries significant historical value linked to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, suffered vandalism and looting by mobs she suspects were acting with state backing. She labeled the act as "a barbaric effort to erase our nation’s history and its sacrifices."

Among her most alarming claims is the extensive violence against Hindus and other minority groups. Hasina reported that thousands have been displaced, with their homes, businesses, and religious institutions destroyed. According to her, the state has not only neglected to safeguard these communities but has also downplayed the extent of the violence. She contended that extremist factions within the government have been emboldened, creating an environment where acts of aggression are not punished.

She further critiqued the current government for its intentional delays in announcing national elections, arguing that the Yunus administration is shunning polls out of fear of public dissent. She cautioned that the upcoming elections in February will be a mere "charade" if the Awami League, one of the leading political parties, remains barred. Banning the party effectively disenfranchises millions of citizens, undermining the democratic foundations of Bangladesh.

Concerning the rising influence of extremism, Hasina accused the existing regime of associating with radical groups and freeing individuals tied to militant organizations. She cautioned that such actions could jeopardize stability not just in Bangladesh but across the region. For years, her own government engaged diligently in combating domestic and cross-border terrorism, efforts she claims are now being reversed.

Regarding speculation of foreign involvement in her removal, Hasina was careful in her response. While she acknowledged Yunus’s international admirers due to his economic contributions, she insisted that she had not encountered any "decisive evidence" of a foreign hand in her exit. However, she stressed that international support must prioritize democratic legitimacy over personal allegiances.

Expressing gratitude for India’s refuge, Hasina characterized the bilateral relationship as one rooted in mutual respect and shared strategic concerns, particularly in regional safety. She asserted that Bangladesh's next chapter should be dictated by its citizens, urging global partners to back the revival of authentic democratic governance.

Wrapping up her comments, Hasina affirmed that the struggle for democracy in Bangladesh is ongoing. She expressed confidence in the will of the Bangladeshi populace to resist any threats to their constitutional rights, stating, "A stable and democratic Bangladesh is beneficial for the entire region, and I trust the world will support those who fight for freedom, dignity, and the people's will."