Sheikh Hasina Condemns Yunus Administration for Sanctioning Violence Against Hindu Minorities in Bangladesh

Hasina described her removal as "a tragic subversion of democracy."

Dhaka:

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus of actively sanctioning assaults against minorities, particularly Hindus, forcing their displacement and exodus. In her first comprehensive interview with international media since her dramatic removal from power last year, Hasina delivered a scathing critique of the Yunus administration, labeling it "illegitimate" and "authoritarian" while holding it responsible for undermining Bangladesh's democratic institutions and secular foundation.

In conversation with NDTV's Aditya Raj Kaul, Hasina provided an emotional and detailed account of the August 5, 2024 events and expressed concerns that the current political direction risks pushing the country toward extremism and instability.

Regarding the student protests, Hasina characterized her ousting as "a tragic subversion of democracy," claiming that legitimate student demonstrations were co-opted by anti-democratic elements determined to overthrow her elected government. As violence intensified, she stated that "the security situation had deteriorated so drastically" that she felt compelled to leave Dhaka, with her departure intended to safeguard her family and prevent further bloodshed.

Reflecting on the destruction of 32 Dhanmondi - the historic residence of her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh's founder - Hasina termed the attack "a barbaric attempt to erase the legacy of our hard-fought battle for independence." She alleged that the vandalism, reportedly carried out by state-supported mobs, was part of a broader scheme to dismantle the Liberation War's spirit. Nevertheless, she expressed confidence that Bangladeshis would protect the values of democracy, equality, secularism, and economic emancipation.

Hasina sharply criticized the delay in announcing national elections, describing the Yunus-led administration as a regime fearful of facing voters. She warned that the scheduled February polls lacked legitimacy: "If they happen, they will be a charade... a rubber stamp for unconstitutional rule." The banning of the Awami League, she added, represents a "dangerous precedent" that disenfranchises millions of citizens.

One of her most grave allegations concerns widespread violence against minorities. Hasina claimed thousands of Hindus and other minority citizens have been attacked, displaced, or forced to flee, with the state not only failing to protect them but actively endorsing these assaults.

"I am deeply distressed by the waves of systematic violence that have targeted religious minorities since Yunus seized power. To this day, thousands of individuals, homes, businesses and places of worship have been attacked, and many have been forced to flee. The state has not only failed to protect them; it has actively sanctioned these brutal attacks by denying their very existence," Hasina stated.

She attributed the surge in violence to the elevation of extremist elements within the new administration: "Yunus made it clear there would be no place for religious pluralism when he staffed his cabinet with extremists and released convicted criminals linked to Hizb-ut Tahrir."

The ousted premier added that the "current administration's alignment with radical factions and known terror organisations is deeply worrying".

"For decades, our government was successful in containing overseas and domestic terror elements that threatened our secular identity and regional stability. Instead, Yunus has elevated these extremists into positions of power and created the conditions for these factions to flourish," she said.

Addressing speculation about U.S. involvement in her removal, Hasina was measured, stating she had seen "no decisive evidence" of foreign intervention. She suggested that while some in Washington had long admired Yunus for his economic contributions, his alliance with extremist groups had diminished that goodwill.

Currently residing in India, Hasina expressed gratitude to New Delhi for providing refuge, describing the relationship as rooted in "deep respect" for sovereignty and shared regional interests. She emphasized that Bangladesh's political future must be determined by its own citizens, while noting that India would prefer engaging with leadership in Dhaka that holds "genuine consent of the people".

Regarding growing Bangladesh-Pakistan engagement under the interim government, Hasina cautioned that Yunus's approach risks empowering radical elements and undermining regional stability. "For decades, our government has contained terror elements. Instead, Yunus has elevated extremists into positions of power," she remarked.

Concluding with determination, Hasina reaffirmed her confidence in the Bangladeshi people's resilience and insisted that the struggle to restore democratic governance continues: "A stable, democratic Bangladesh benefits us all. I believe any country that values democracy will support us in restoring ours."