Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the interim Yunus administration of plunging the nation into “murderous anarchy”, saying democracy is now “in exile” within the “blood-soaked panorama”. She mentioned the nation is passing by its “darkest hour”.
In an audio message performed throughout an interactive session organised by the International Correspondents’ Membership of South Asia, Hasina mentioned Bangladesh, “as soon as a peaceable and fertile nation, is now going through excessive violence, concern, and destruction”.
The Bangladesh Awami League president was pressured into exile after her authorities was overthrown following violent protests within the nation in August 2024. Whereas she took refuge in India, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took over the reins in Bangladesh, turning into the interim authorities’s Chief Advisor.
“The nation has descended into terror following a conspiracy in August 2024, with democracy suppressed, freedoms extinguished, and widespread violence, torture, and sexual assault occurring unchecked, notably towards girls,” she mentioned.
Describing the present scenario in stark phrases, the ousted prime minister claimed, “Bangladesh has turn out to be a blood-soaked panorama at present; democracy is in exile”.
She alleged that extremist communal forces and international actors had ravaged the nation, turning it into “an enormous jail and execution grounds”.
The comment was made with an obvious reference to the spate of violent assaults towards non secular minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh within the aftermath of her ouster.
Hasina accused what she referred to as a “murderous, fascist clique” of seizing energy by conspiracy.
“A murderous, fascist clique, pushed by cash laundering, lust for energy and betrayal has now been bleeding our nation,” she mentioned. “They forcibly conspired to oust me, and from that day the nation has plunged into murderous anarchy”.
She additionally warned of a looming political disaster forward of the February 12 basic elections, saying the polls would face a “legitimacy disaster” if her celebration, the Awami League, stays banned from contesting.
Hasina added that legislation and order have collapsed and individuals are struggling merely to outlive amid destruction.
Her remarks come amid persevering with uncertainty over Bangladesh’s political transition following her elimination from workplace final 12 months.
The interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has promised to revive stability and oversee elections, however critics have raised considerations over the safety scenario and restrictions on political exercise.
Hasina’s supporters say the ban on the Awami League and the alleged crackdown on dissent undermine the credibility of the upcoming polls.
The interim authorities has denied allegations of authoritarianism and insists it’s performing to revive order and guarantee free and truthful elections.
As Bangladesh heads in direction of the February vote, Hasina’s feedback underscore deep divisions over the nation’s political future and lift contemporary questions on whether or not the transition will ship stability or lengthen the disaster she now calls a nation bleeding, with democracy in exile.
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