In her first public address since leaving Bangladesh, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered a powerful virtual speech that has sent ripples through the nation’s political landscape. Speaking to Awami League supporters in New York during a “Bijoy Dibos” (Victory Day) commemoration, Hasina made serious allegations against interim government chief Muhammad Yunus while expressing deep concern for minority communities.
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The speech marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s political narrative, highlighting deep-rooted tensions between political figures and raising serious concerns about minority protection. As the situation continues to develop, the international community watches closely, particularly regarding the treatment of religious minorities and the political stability of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina: Genocide Allegations
Accusations Against Yunus
Sheikh Hasina didn’t mince words when addressing Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’s role in recent events. She accused him of being the “main perpetrator of genocide” and described him as “power hungry.” The former prime minister also reiterated previous allegations regarding corruption and money laundering connected to Yunus’s Grameen Bank, the microfinance institution he established.
The Protest Timeline
Hasina provided a detailed account of the events leading to her departure from Dhaka on August 5. She described a tense situation at Ganabhaban, where armed protesters approached the premises. In a moment of leadership, she instructed security guards not to open fire, potentially preventing significant loss of life. “It was a matter of 25-30 minutes, and I was forced to leave,” she revealed, highlighting the rapid escalation of events.
Minority Protection Concerns
Religious Sites Under Attack
Hasina painted a disturbing picture of widespread attacks on religious institutions across Bangladesh:
- Eleven churches destroyed
- Multiple temples vandalized
- Buddhist shrines damaged
- Mosques and dargahs targeted
Persecution of Religious Communities
The former prime minister expressed particular concern about the treatment of minority communities:
- Hindus facing systematic persecution
- Buddhist communities under threat
- Christian populations experiencing violence
- Arrest of religious leaders, including ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das
Personal Security Concerns
Hasina drew parallels between current events and historical tragedies, specifically mentioning an alleged conspiracy to assassinate her and her sister Sheikh Rehana. This reference to the 1975 killing of their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, added a personal dimension to her political commentary.
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FAQs
Q1: Why did Sheikh Hasina leave Bangladesh in August 2024?
Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh following large-scale protests led by student groups. According to her account, she faced immediate security threats and was forced to leave when armed protesters approached Ganabhaban. She made the decision to prevent potential bloodshed by instructing security forces not to open fire.
Q2: What are the main accusations Sheikh Hasina made against Muhammad Yunus?
Hasina accused Yunus of being the “main perpetrator of genocide” and alleged his involvement in corruption and money laundering through Grameen Bank. She also claimed that Yunus, along with student coordinators, was among the masterminds behind recent violent events targeting minorities and religious institutions.
