Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticized the country’s interim government leader, Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus, accusing him of compromising national interests and aligning with militants. In a sharp rebuke posted through an audio message on her Awami League party’s official Facebook page, Hasina accused Yunus of “selling the nation to the United States” and called the recent ban on her party unconstitutional.
Yunus Accused of Power Grab Backed by Extremists
Hasina claimed that Mohammed Yunus, who was appointed as head of the transitional government on August 7, 2024, gained control of the administration with the help of extremist factions. This appointment came days after student-led demonstrations pushed Hasina to resign and flee the country.
She said, “He has seized power with the help of terrorists, even those who are banned in various international arenas, against whom my government protected the people of Bangladesh.”
Hasina warned that Bangladesh is now under militant control, pointing out that her administration had previously jailed many extremists. “After only one terrorist attack, we took strict measures. Many were arrested. Now prisons are empty. They released everyone. Now Bangladesh is the reign of those militants,” she added.
Criticism Over Government Actions and Awami League Ban
Hasina also condemned the Awami League’s ban, labeling it illegal and unconstitutional. She said Yunus holds no public mandate and lacks any constitutional authority.
“The constitution of our great Bengali nation, we got it through a long struggle and the liberation war. Who gave this militant leader, who has illegally seized power, the right to touch the constitution? He does not have the mandate of the people and has no constitutional basis,” she said.
“That position (Chief Advisor) also has no basis, and it does not exist. So, how can he change the law without a parliament? This is illegal. They have banned the Awami League.”
Personal Reflection on Family Sacrifice and Sovereignty
In her message, Hasina invoked the legacy of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, emphasizing the sacrifices her family made to protect the country’s sovereignty.
“My father did not agree to America’s demands for St. Martin’s Island. He had to give his life for that. And that was my destiny as I never thought of selling the country to stay in power,” Hasina stated.
She also questioned how someone like Yunus, once celebrated both in Bangladesh and internationally, could betray the nation’s interests. “But what a misfortune it is today. Such a person came to power, a person who is absolutely loved by the people of the whole country, a person who is loved by the world, and what happened to that person today when he came to power?”
Political Crisis Deepens Amid Resignation Reports
Hasina’s sharp remarks come amid growing speculation that Yunus may step down. Reports indicate that he is facing pressure from the military, which has called for general elections in December. The interim phase has triggered political uncertainty in Bangladesh, raising concerns about the country’s democratic stability.
Moreover, Hasina’s repeated claims that Yunus relied on terrorist support to take office reflect a deepening rift in Bangladesh’s political scene. Consequently, with the Awami League banned and Yunus facing resignation pressure, the coming months may prove critical for the nation’s future governance.
