Sheikh Hasina Denies US Involvement in Bangladesh Ouster: Exclusive NDTV Interview Reveals Concerns Over Democratic Decline

Hasina is widely recognized for her role in Bangladesh's economic transformation during her tenure as Prime Minister.

Bangladesh's interim leader, Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, once enjoyed significant admiration in American political circles. However, according to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, his popularity among Western liberals has declined due to the deterioration of democratic institutions during his 15-month administration.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, the ousted leader rejected claims that the United States actively supported groups seeking her removal or played a role in Bangladesh's regime change. Hasina, 78, has been living in exile since August 5, 2024, when student-led protests forced her resignation and flight from Bangladesh, ending her 15-year leadership.

"I have not seen any conclusive evidence suggesting foreign powers influenced last summer's events. I am aware that many in American political circles admired Yunus for his economic achievements, mistakenly equating these with political competence," Hasina stated.

"Now that they have witnessed him placing radical extremists in his cabinet, dismantling Bangladesh's democratic infrastructure, and discriminating against minorities, I believe he no longer enjoys the same popularity among Western liberals," she added.

Hasina emphasized that a stable, democratic Bangladesh serves everyone's interests. "I believe any nation valuing democracy will support our efforts to restore democratic values," she remarked.

Following Hasina's removal, Bangladesh has experienced periodic violence, particularly against minority communities, leading to significant social and political shifts in what was once considered a liberal nation. In May, the interim government suspended the registration of the Awami League political party and prohibited its activities, citing national security concerns and ongoing war crimes investigations involving senior leaders.

"Yunus clearly indicated there would be no space for religious pluralism when he appointed extremists to his cabinet and released convicted criminals affiliated with Hizb-ut Tahrir," Hasina said.

The exiled leader, often credited with transforming Bangladesh's economy, faces accusations of human rights violations and suppression of dissent. She is currently being tried in absentia in Bangladesh on charges of crimes against humanity for allegedly ordering a deadly crackdown on student protests in mid-2024.

Hasina denies all allegations of wrongdoing and has remained in India since fleeing there after her ouster in August last year. The verdict in her case is scheduled to be announced on Monday.