Hasina Critiques Yunus Administration, Alleges Sanctioned Violence Against Hindus

Post by : Raina Nasser

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has sharply criticized the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, claiming it has fostered violence against religious minorities and eroded the nation’s democratic principles. This marks her first significant media appearance since her ousting in August 2024, during which she labeled the current government as “illegitimate, authoritarian, and fearful of public scrutiny.”

Speaking from India, where she resides in exile, Hasina characterized the past year as one of the darkest for Bangladesh’s political landscape. She elaborated on the orchestrated unrest that have pressed her to leave Dhaka, emphasizing that it was a calculated attempt to hijack the student-driven movement intended for reform.

According to Hasina, the violent attacks on her official residence at 32 Dhanmondi reflect a deeper campaign to undermine Bangladesh's secular and democratic ethos. The location, deeply associated with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's legacy, was vandalized by mobs she alleges were backed by state elements, describing it as “a brutal act to erase our historical sacrifices.”

One of her most serious claims also includes the systematic violence against Hindus and other minorities, asserting that thousands have been uprooted, with many homes, businesses, and religious sites destroyed. Hasina contended that the state not only neglected these vulnerable groups but also minimized the extent of the violence, emboldening extremist factions within the government.

Moreover, Hasina condemned the questionable delays in national elections, arguing that the Yunus government is avoiding electoral accountability due to a fear of being rejected by the populace. She warned that the elections set for February would be a mere façade if the Awami League remains prohibited, disenfranchising millions of citizens.

In response to concerns over extremism, Hasina accused the current administration of collaborating with radical groups and releasing individuals connected to militant organizations. She cautioned that such actions could destabilize not just Bangladesh but also the entire region, undoing years of work her government put into combating terrorism.

On the topic of foreign involvement in her removal, Hasina approached the subject with caution. While she noted Yunus has garnered international admirers due to economic initiatives, she mentioned a lack of “definitive evidence” of any foreign country orchestrating her departure, urging that international support reflect a commitment to democratic principles rather than personal affiliations.

Expressing gratitude to India for providing her asylum, Hasina affirmed that the relationship is grounded in mutual respect and common interests, particularly regarding regional security. She asserted that the future of Bangladesh should be determined by its own citizens, and global partners ought to uphold the restoration of true democratic governance.

In closing, Hasina declared that the struggle for democracy in Bangladesh continues. She expressed confidence that Bangladeshis would resist any attempts to infringe upon their constitutional rights, stating, “A stable and democratic Bangladesh is beneficial to the entire region hand in hand with global support for freedom and dignity of the people.”