Hasina Vows Return, Seeks Justice for Followers

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh currently in self-imposed exile in India, has vowed to return to her country and bring those responsible for violence against Awami League members to justice. Speaking during a social media interaction with families of slain party leaders and workers, Hasina attributed her survival to divine intervention, stating, “Allah kept me alive for a reason.” She believes this reason is to facilitate positive change and ensure accountability for the alleged atrocities.

The exiled leader leveled strong accusations against Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, describing him as self-serving and accusing him of exploiting micro-loan recipients for personal gain. She claimed Yunus amassed wealth while failing to meaningfully improve the lives of those he purported to help, and now harbors political ambitions that are detrimental to Bangladesh.

Hasina painted a grim picture of the current situation in Bangladesh, characterizing it as a nation transformed into a “terrorist country” where violence is rampant and targeted at individuals affiliated with the Awami League, including leaders, workers, police officers, lawyers, journalists, and artists. She further alleged a severe media crackdown, claiming that reporting on crimes like rape and murder results in repercussions for news outlets.

Recounting the traumatic assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the first President of Bangladesh, and the rest of her family, Hasina emphasized the depth of her personal loss and her commitment to seeking justice for all victims of political violence. She reiterated her belief that those responsible for the killings will be held accountable, framing this as a solemn pledge.

The remarks come amidst attempts by the interim government in Bangladesh to secure Hasina’s extradition from India. Yunus reportedly raised the issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent summit, also alleging that Hasina’s public statements are inflammatory and destabilizing. He requested that the Indian government restrain her from making further such statements.

India has previously expressed concerns to Bangladesh regarding reports of atrocities against minority groups. Yunus, in response, dismissed these reports as exaggerated and largely fabricated.

Hasina’s impassioned address, delivered while acknowledging the pain of loss and the weight of responsibility, signals her determination to return to Bangladesh and confront what she describes as a deteriorating political and social climate. Her statements, while strongly worded, reflect a deep-seated conviction that justice must be served and accountability established for the alleged crimes committed against her supporters and the nation as a whole. The situation highlights a complex political standoff with implications for regional stability and the future of Bangladesh.