Sheikh Hasina Slams ‘murderous Fascist’ Yunus In First Public Speech, Calls For Restoration Of Democracy In Bangladesh

New Delhi: Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has addressed a public gathering for the first time since leaving the country in 2024.  During the address, Hasina launched a scathing attack on the head of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus. She accused Yunus of running an illegal and violent government in Bangladesh and creating an atmosphere of terror, anarchy, and undemocratic rule in the country. Hasina branded Muhammad Yunus a "bloody fascist." She also accused him of failing to protect minority Hindus in Bangladesh.

Where did Sheikh Hasina deliver her speech?

According to media reports, addressing the audience via an audio message at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Delhi, Hasina described the ongoing political crisis in the country as an existential struggle for Bangladesh's sovereignty and constitution. She called upon her supporters to rise up and "overthrow the puppet government that is prostrating itself at the feet of foreign powers." The event, titled "Save Democracy in Bangladesh," was attended by several former ministers of Hasina's Awami League government and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora community. Sheikh Hasina strongly criticized Muhammad Yunus.

Sheikh Hasina was not physically present at the event. However, her speech was broadcast to a packed hall. During her address, she launched a fierce attack on Muhammad Yunus. Sheikh Hasina repeatedly called Muhammad Yunus a "bloody fascist," a "loan shark," a "money launderer," and a "power-hungry traitor." Referring to the Liberation War and the legacy of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she said that Bangladesh is currently standing on the brink of a precipice.

What did Sheikh Hasina say?

Sheikh Hasina criticised the interim government and expressed deep sorrow over the current situation. She described it as the darkest period in Bangladesh's history, where democracy is absent and the people are struggling to survive.

"A murderous, fascist clique, driven by money laundering, lust for power and betrayal has now been bleeding our nation," Hasina said. "They forcibly conspired to oust me, and from that day the nation has plunged into murderous anarchy".

Sheikh Hasina also raised concerns about the upcoming elections scheduled for February 12th. She stated that if the ban on the Awami League continues, these elections will face a crisis of legitimacy. According to her, elections cannot be fair without the participation of the main opposition party, and this will further tarnish the country's democratic image.

How is the Bangladesh government led by Yunus likely to react?

The Yunus government in Bangladesh is already angry with the Modi government for granting asylum to Sheikh Hasina. Because of this, Bangladesh has also increased its proximity to Pakistan in order to put pressure on India. Bangladesh is continuously demanding Sheikh Hasina's extradition. In addition, it is also requesting India to prevent Sheikh Hasina from making public statements. However, this time Hasina addressed a public rally. Therefore, it is considered inevitable that the Yunus government will react strongly.