Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has delivered a fierce critique of the country’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of orchestrating "genocide" and failing to protect minority communities. Speaking virtually at an event in New York to mark Bangladesh’s 'Vijay Diwas,' Hasina alleged that under Yunus's leadership, there has been a systematic targeting of minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. She claimed that numerous temples, Buddhist shrines, and churches have been destroyed, and minority voices silenced. Hasina pointed to the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das as a striking example of the persecution faced by these communities. She questioned the government’s intentions, asking, "What is this persecution of minorities for? Why are they being ruthlessly persecuted and attacked?"
The event marked Hasina’s first public speech since her resignation in August following massive anti-government protests that culminated in the storming of her official residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka. Recalling the events of August 5, she described a chaotic and dangerous situation as armed protesters advanced on her residence. She revealed that despite the imminent threat, she instructed her security forces not to open fire, fearing mass casualties. "It was a matter of 25-30 minutes, and I was forced to leave," she said, emphasizing the volatile atmosphere. Her decision to leave, she explained, was driven by a desire to prevent further violence, though she lamented that the attacks and unrest have continued unabated.
Hasina accused Yunus of being the mastermind behind the violence, alleging that his administration has systematically targeted minority communities to consolidate power. She further claimed that there was a plot to assassinate her and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, akin to the 1975 assassination of their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Hasina’s allegations extend beyond her personal safety, painting a grim picture of a country grappling with rising extremism and political instability.
The political turmoil in Bangladesh has strained relations with neighboring India. New Delhi has expressed growing concern over the safety of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, issued a statement urging the interim government to uphold its responsibility to protect all minorities. Highlighting the surge in extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence, Jaiswal dismissed attempts to downplay the situation as "media exaggeration." He specifically called for a fair and transparent resolution to the case of Chinmoy Krishna Das, whose arrest on sedition charges has drawn widespread condemnation.
Attacks on minorities have surged in Bangladesh over recent months, with reports of Hindu temples vandalized, Buddhist shrines destroyed, and churches razed to the ground. These actions have further marginalized minority groups, leading to fears of an erosion of justice and democracy in the country. Hasina accused Yunus’s administration of using state machinery to suppress dissent and create an environment of fear. "People no longer have the right to justice... I never even got the time to resign," she said, reiterating her belief that she was forced out to pave the way for a regime that operates without accountability.
Since leaving Bangladesh, Hasina has taken refuge in India, where she continues to speak out against the interim government’s actions. Despite her departure, violence and instability in Bangladesh have persisted, and the targeting of minorities has intensified. The strained relations between India and the Yunus-led interim government highlight the broader regional implications of the crisis. India, which has a vested interest in ensuring stability in Bangladesh, has called on the international community to take note of the deteriorating situation.
Hasina’s speech serves as both a denunciation of the interim government and a call for action to protect Bangladesh’s minorities. She accused Yunus of failing to ensure security and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. While her criticisms were particularly harsh, they reflect the increasing frustration of many who see the interim government’s actions as a betrayal of the nation’s democratic values. The ongoing persecution of minorities, coupled with rising extremism, threatens to destabilize Bangladesh further, underscoring the urgent need for intervention and dialogue.
As Hasina continues to advocate from exile, the situation in Bangladesh remains precarious. With growing international attention on the plight of minorities, the pressure on the interim government is mounting. However, unless substantive actions are taken to address these issues, the prospects for peace and stability in Bangladesh appear bleak. The crisis has not only shaken the nation’s internal dynamics but has also drawn the concern of its neighbors and the global community, making it a pivotal moment in the country’s political history.
