Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now in exile in India, has launched a fierce attack on interim leader Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of failing to protect minorities and orchestrating “genocide.”
In a virtual address on Sunday to mark Bangladesh’s Vijay Diwas, Hasina alleged that under Yunus’ administration, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians in the country faced relentless persecution. She also accused the interim government of planning to assassinate her and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, similar to the killing of their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975.
Accusations of Minority Persecution
Sheikh Hasina painted a grim picture of the state of minorities in Bangladesh, alleging widespread violence and destruction of religious sites.
Watch the address below:
আবু সাঈদ ইস্যু। pic.twitter.com/rRsw2GKkEB
— Sheikh Hasina (@Sheikh12Hasina) December 5, 2024
“Hindus, Buddhists, Christians—no one has been spared. Eleven churches have been razed, temples and Buddhist shrines have been broken. When the Hindus protested, the Iskcon leader was arrested,” she said, referencing the detention of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.
She accused Yunus and student coordinators of orchestrating a campaign of violence against minorities, calling the actions a form of genocide. “What is this persecution of minorities for? Why are they being ruthlessly persecuted and attacked?” she questioned.
Fleeing Bangladesh Amid Protests
Hasina’s remarks came after her dramatic exit from Bangladesh in August amidst massive anti-government protests and a siege on her official residence in Dhaka.
Recalling the events of August 5, she said, “The armed protestors were directed towards Ganabhaban. If the security guards opened fire, many lives would have been lost… I told them not to fire no matter what happened.”
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Sheikh Hasina has since sought refuge in India, citing her decision to leave as an effort to quell the violence. However, she expressed regret, noting that her departure did not stop the bloodshed.
Strained India-Bangladesh Relations
The rise of the interim government under Yunus has put a strain on India-Bangladesh relations. India has repeatedly expressed concern over the increase in extremist rhetoric and attacks on minorities, particularly the Hindu community, in Bangladesh.
“We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
New Delhi urged Bangladesh to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of minorities and emphasized the importance of addressing the case of Chinmoy Krishna Das in a “just, fair, and transparent manner.”
Hasina Alleges Plot Against Her Life
The former Prime Minister claimed there were plans to assassinate her and her sister. “When people were dying indiscriminately, I decided I should leave,” she said, describing an atmosphere of growing hostility and threats.
The Awami League leader lamented the erosion of justice under the current regime. “People no longer have the right to justice… I never even got the time to resign,” she said, accusing the interim government of consolidating power through violence and repression.
A Country in Turmoil
Bangladesh has seen escalating violence against minorities in recent months, drawing international attention and criticism. Activists and observers fear that the attacks reflect a broader trend of rising extremism and state-sanctioned persecution.
As Hasina’s accusations reverberate globally, the international community, including India, is closely monitoring the developments in Bangladesh, with growing calls for accountability and minority protection under the Yunus-led administration.
