Sheikh Hasina Slams Muhammad Yunus, Laments Situation In Bangladesh

Dhaka: Deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched a scathing attack on the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, stating that a reign of terror prevails in Bangladesh, leading to a decline in the country's secular fabric.

What is Hasina’s opinion on the violence in Bangladesh?

Referring to the murder of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das, Hasina said that this horrific and shameful crime demonstrates the grave danger faced by minorities in the country. She also criticized the Yunus government for the violence against journalists. 

Hasina stated that during her government, journalists were free to write without fear of reprisal, violence, or intimidation. Hasina has been residing in India since July 2024.

What did Hasina say about the current dispensation?

In an interview with News18, Sheikh Hasina stated that Bangladesh's secular and democratic identity is being systematically dismantled. She also alleged that the Jamaat-e-Islami and its allied extremist groups are receiving political protection and impunity under the Yunus government. She said that the protection of minorities was not optional during her government, but a constitutional obligation and a moral duty. Hasina criticized the Yunus government for suppressing dissent by arresting journalists, alleging that they are being arrested on baseless charges.

How did Hasina describe the condition of minorities?

Sheikh Hasina stated that the murder of Dipu Chandra Das was a horrific and shameful crime. It demonstrates the grave danger faced by minority communities in Bangladesh today. 

“Since August 2024, we have witnessed a continuous cycle of violence against Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Ahmadi Muslims, and indigenous communities – violence that has been allowed to spread unchecked through denial, inaction, and complete impunity,” Hasina said. 

“This is symptomatic of the reign of terror under the government led by Muhammad Yunus,” she added.

What did Hasina say on the murder of Usman Hadi?

Sheikh Hasina expressed her sorrow over the murder of Usman Hadi. She said that the murder of Usman Hadi was a tragic and horrific incident that should have received a proper and impartial response from the government. Instead, his death was immediately politicized, unleashing a wave of unbearable violence across our country's media. His death is a direct consequence of the anarchy, electoral violence, and suppression of freedom of expression. Hasina directly blamed Muhammad Yunus for this, stating that violence was fostered in Bangladeshi politics during his tenure.