Sheikh Hasina in first public address from India attacks Bangladesh interim govt

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticised the interim government of Bangladesh in her first public address after leaving the country. Speaking from India through a recorded audio message, Hasina accused the government led by Muhammad Yunus of violence, corruption, and failing to protect democracy.

Hasina urged the people of Bangladesh to stand up against the current administration, saying it cannot conduct free and fair elections. Bangladesh is scheduled to hold a general election on February 12, but Hasina’s party, the Awami League, has been barred from contesting.

The speech was played at an event called ‘Save Democracy in Bangladesh’ at the Foreign Correspondent Club in New Delhi. It came just days after election campaigning officially began in Bangladesh.

Allegations of violence and lawlessness

In her address, Hasina claimed that since her government fell in August 2024 following student-led protests, the country has fallen into chaos. She alleged that violence, torture, and sexual assault “especially against women and girls” have increased. She also said religious minorities are being targeted and that law and order has completely collapsed.

“Democracy is now in exile. Human rights are being crushed. Freedom of the press no longer exists,” she said.

Sharp attack on Muhammad Yunus

Hasina launched a direct and harsh attack on interim leader Muhammad Yunus, calling him corrupt, power hungry, and a traitor. She accused him of working with extremist and foreign forces to remove her from power through what she described as a planned conspiracy.

Five key demands of Hasina

On behalf of Awami League, Hasina placed several demands:

Removal of what she called the “illegal Yunus administration”

Restoration of democracy and the Constitution 

Immediate end to violence and lawlessness

Strong protection for minorities, women, and vulnerable communities

An end to politically motivated cases against journalists and opposition leaders

She said free and fair elections are impossible unless the current leadership is removed.

Call for UN investigation

Hasina also appealed to the United Nations to conduct a fresh and unbiased investigation into the events that followed the fall of her government. She said such an inquiry is necessary for justice, reconciliation, and national healing.

Political context

Hasina has been living in self imposed exile in India since August 2024. Many senior Awami League leaders are also outside Bangladesh, staying in India and Europe.

With the Awami League out of the election, the upcoming polls are expected to be dominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), while Jamaat-e-Islami is also expected to gain influence.

Despite this, the Awami League still has strong support at the grassroots level. Hasina’s speech is being seen as an effort to keep her party politically active and relevant during this critical period.