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Yunus Cites BBC Leak, Urges India to Extradite PM Hasina to Bangladesh

July 10, 2025, 10:24 am

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has again demanded India extradite deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on new allegations linking her to a brutal crackdown on student protesters. The demand came in response to a BBC report featuring an audio leak purportedly implicating Hasina in authorizing the use of force by the state.

On Wednesday, Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Yunus, posted a message on X calling on India to rethink its position regarding Hasina’s extradition. “We now call on the Republic of India to exercise conscience and moral leadership… India can no longer shield a person credibly charged with crimes against humanity,” Alam said, echoing Bangladesh’s diplomatic overture made last December.

BBC Leak Sparks Global Attention

The BBC Bangla department issued a recent report of its Eye Investigations department, stating that it was in possession of a leaked telephone call in which Hasina is heard ordering security forces to “shoot” student protesters during the extensive 2024 disturbances. The interim government asserts that the recording identifies her as being directly implicated in “state-sanctioned murder.

India’s continued shielding of Sheikh Hasina is no longer sustainable,” Alam said. He also added, “No regional friendship, no strategic reasoning, no political heritage could justify or whitewash the intentional killing of civilians.”

Tribunal to Decide on Charges Against Hasina

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has scheduled July 10 to decide whether to formally charge Hasina and two of her close aides. The tribunal had already sentenced her in absentia last week to six months in prison for contempt of court.

The charges stem from last year’s anti-government protests, which the United Nations reported resulted in up to 1,400 civilian deaths during a month-long crackdown ordered by Hasina’s administration.

Rise Resulted in Toppling of Hasina’s Government

The demonstrations, which intensified from July 15 to August 15, 2024, ultimately resulted in the downfall of the almost 16-year Awami League regime. Sheikh Hasina went into exile on August 5, with India serving as her temporary asylum.

Ever since, numerous former ministers and high-ranking officials of the Awami League have either been arrested or have gone into hiding both locally and abroad.

Yunus claimed he had raised the issue personally with Indian authorities at the BIMSTEC summit in Thailand. Despite previous diplomatic quiet, the interim administration hopes the publication of the BBC investigation will put pressure on New Delhi to reconsider its stance.

ICP Emphasizes International Accountability

Alam ended the statement by stating that “when a global institution like the BBC commits substantial resources to pursuing crimes in Bangladesh, the international community cannot turn a blind eye to the evidence.”

There’s a mounting pressure, and the government under Yunus intends to seek international legal avenues in case India fails to act on their fresh extradition request.

Sheikh Hasina Ordered Security to ‘Shoot’ Protesters, Reveals Leaked Audio

July 9, 2025, 7:06 pm

The BBC has verified a leaked telephone conversation in which former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina explicitly instructed security forces to use live ammunition against student demonstrators during last year’s mass protests. A recording dated 18 July 2024 indicates Hasina telling her security personnel to shoot anyone in sight.

“I have directed them all to be arrested tonight. All of them have been made aware, wherever you see them, apprehend them. I have given an open command. Now, they will employ deadly force. Wherever they spot [them], they will shoot,” she states in the audio.

The call, placed from her official residence in Dhaka, came during the pivotal phase of the nationwide unrest that started as demonstrations against civil service job quotas. The protests quickly morphed into a massive anti-government movement, which eventually sent Sheikh Hasina into exile.

Crackdown Kills Over 1,400 Protesters

According to UN investigators, the crackdown on protesters resulted in the deaths of more than 1,400 people, making it the deadliest political violence in Bangladesh since the 1971 Liberation War. Social media platforms at the time circulated graphic videos of police killings, further fuelling public anger.

One of the most lethal massacres took place on 5 August in Dhaka’s Jatrabari neighborhood when police fired on unarmed civilians following the withdrawal of army troops from the region. Freshly revealed evidence has confirmed that security forces massacred at least 52 individuals in that single event, far more than previously reported.

Prosecutors Prepare Key Evidence in War Crimes Trial

Bangladesh prosecutors intend to present the leaked call as a prime piece of evidence in Hasina’s in absentia trial for crimes against humanity, including incitement, conspiracy, and ordering mass murders.

Experts view the phone call as the best evidence so far to indicate that Hasina gave the order herself to use deadly force against civilians, most of whom are students.

Sheikh Hasina escaped to India just as her government fell. While Bangladesh has formally asked for her extradition, India has refused, and analysts say it’s not likely she’ll ever come back to stand trial.

New Leadership and War Crimes Charges

Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus currently heads the interim government and is preparing Bangladesh for national elections.

The International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) has indicted 203 people, including former police and government officials, along with Hasina. There are 73 currently in custody, charged with carrying out the fatal crackdown.

Sheikh Hasina Faces 6-Month Jail Term from International Crimes Tribunal

July 2, 2025, 2:47 pm

On Wednesday, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in jail in a contempt of court case. The ruling was delivered by a three-member bench of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, The Dhaka Tribune reports.

This is the first time the deposed Awami League leader has been sentenced in any of the cases since she fled Bangladesh about a year back. Hasina escaped from Bangladesh after her government collapsed in dramatic fashion in the aftermath of mass protests. She has remained in a safe house in New Delhi ever since she arrived in India in August 2024.

In the same case, the tribunal also punished Shakil Akand Bulbul of Gobindaganj in Gaibandha with two months in jail.

‘Can’t Control Social Media’: PM Modi’s Blunt Reply To Yunus Over Hasina’s Explosive Speeches

June 12, 2025, 7:10 am

Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, has accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ignoring his request to prevent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from making political statements while residing in India.

Speaking at London’s Chatham House on Wednesday, Yunus said he had urged Modi to at least limit Hasina’s outreach to the Bangladeshi public while she remains in India following her ouster last August. “When I had a chance to speak with Prime Minister Modi, I simply said, ‘You want to host her — I cannot force you to abandon that policy. But please help us ensure that she does not address the Bangladeshi people the way she currently is,’” Yunus told the audience at the prestigious think tank.

‘Explosive Situation’: Yunus Criticises Modi’s Social Media Remark

Yunus revealed that he raised the issue during a bilateral meeting with Modi at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok this April. He said Hasina’s announcements on specific dates had stirred public unrest back home. “She announces that she will speak on a particular day and at a particular time, and the whole of Bangladesh becomes very angry,” he said.

He further claimed that Modi dismissed the concern, saying, “It is social media; we cannot control it.” In response, Yunus said, “What can you say? This is an explosive situation, and you can’t simply walk away by saying it’s social media. Yet this continues.”

Extradition Efforts to Continue

Yunus reiterated that his government would not back down from efforts to extradite Hasina, who was recently indicted by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for ordering a violent police crackdown on protestors last year. “The trial process has started. The tribunal has issued her notices for the crimes she has committed, and now she must respond,” he stated.

Since taking office, Bangladesh’s interim administration has sent multiple extradition requests to India, starting in December. However, India has yet to respond.

Yunus confirmed that they plan to escalate the matter using legal channels, including international mechanisms. “We want the process to be legal and proper,” he added.

Sheikh Hasina’s Final Hours in Bangladesh: ‘Shoot Me, Bury Me Here’

May 28, 2025, 5:55 pm

Sheikh Hasina’s final hours in Dhaka were characterized by defiance, chaos, and eventually escape. On August 5, 2024, when violent student-led mobs rocked Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina refused to step down. “Shoot me, bury me here, in Ganabhaban,” she said to army officials. She escaped to India a few hours later, before a crowd assaulted her official residence.

This turn of events was traced out by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam at a recent hearing at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The tribunal also considered charges of crimes against humanity during the violence at Chankharpul, Dhaka.

The disturbance broke out over a disputed quota system in government employment. Student demonstrations broke out and spread rapidly. The nation was in chaos by early August. Demonstrators’ confrontations with security forces escalated into violence. More than 500 people were killed, according to reports, before Hasina could escape.

Sheikh Hasina’s Last Stand

Within Ganabhaban, there was tension. On August 4 night, there was a fateful meeting. Senior Cabinet ministers, military personnel, and security chiefs met. Parliament Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Islam says, initiated the first official call for Sheikh Hasina to quit. However, senior Awami League leaders resisted.

Major General (Retd) Tariq Ahmed Siddiq, her defence adviser and cousin, was calling on her to quit. She would not do so. She instructed the army chief to be firm and quash the protests. Her resistance contrasted sharply with the carnage on the streets.

Final Moments Before Escape

Sheikh Hasina’s determination shook the room. “Shoot me, bury me here,” she declared, making her refusal clear and loud. Hours later, she slipped quietly out of the country. She went to India, abandoning her official home behind. Angry mobs soon stormed and destroyed Ganabhaban.

Chief Prosecutor Islam revealed this timeline in a hearing before the ICT. He also laid charges on atrocities committed in Chankharpul, infusing an additional dose of jurisprudence into the political melodrama. His testimony, as reported by Prothom Alo, has left onlookers aghast and raised new questions about accountability.

The tribunal goes on. Bangladesh struggles with the long-term legacy of one of its most frenzied transitions on record.

Sheikh Hasina Accuses Mohammed Yunus of Selling Out Bangladesh, Supporting Militants

May 25, 2025, 8:41 pm

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.

Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League Banned by Bangladesh’s Interim Government

May 11, 2025, 12:52 am

Bangladesh’s caretaker government, led by chief advisor Muhammad Yunus, declared on Saturday a ban on overthrown former premier Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League.

Prohibition to Remain in Place Until Trial Completion

The interim government led by Yunus declared the Awami League banned under an anti-terrorism law and stated, “The official gazette notification will be issued in this regard on the next working day.”

A decree of the cabinet or council of advisers resolved that the prohibition would continue until completion of the “trial of the Awami League and leadership in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal in the interest of safeguarding the security and sovereignty of the country.”

Safety Concerns, Historical Context of the Ban of Awami League

The requirement of the safety of leaders and activists of the July 2024 revolt was also used as a justification for the ban. The initial protests in opposition to the system of reservations gained strength as her government ordered severe repression against protesting students. Ever since, 77-year-old Hasina escaped Dhaka and has been residing in India.

Legal Modifications and Charges Against Sheikh Hasina

The conference that resolved on the ban, which was led by Yunus, also modified the ICT law to enable the tribunal to prosecute any political party, its front organisations, and affiliated bodies.

Aside from a corruption case, Hasina faces multiple charges such as mass murders and crimes against humanity, and enforced disappearances, while the cases were being filed with Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal.

Arrest Warrants and Student Protests Amidst Awami League Ban

Last month, a Bangladeshi court issued warrants of arrest against Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, British MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, and 50 others for their alleged illegal takeover of land by exploiting political influence.

The student-run National Citizen Party (NCP) has also been demanding Hasina be brought to trial for supposed “misdeeds” during her rule. The new party had also requested the Awami League not to contest the general elections.

Sheikh Hasina Blasts Yunus-Led Govt, Calls Him “Loan Shark” Behind Bangladesh’s Fall

April 14, 2025, 12:11 pm

Deposed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in exile in India, has launched a vitriolic attack on Nobel Prize winner Dr Muhammad Yunus and the caretaker administration he heads. Addressing her followers in a strongly worded virtual speech on Sunday, Hasina branded Yunus a “loan shark” and alleged that he was in cahoots with international forces to destabilise Bangladesh in pursuit of personal interests.

In her eight-minute address, Hasina did not mince words, accusing widespread political repression, erasure of the nation’s liberation history, and a deliberate attempt to ruin Bangladesh’s economy. She also challenged the account of Abu Sayeed’s death, a student demonstrator who became a symbol of anti-government protest after her removal.

“Yunus Is Driven by Power and Greed”

“That loan shark, power-hungry, money-hungry, self-centred person hatched a foreign conspiracy and used wealth from abroad to destroy the country. The BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) and Jamaat-e-Islami are carrying out (political) murders and harassing (Awami League leaders),” Sheikh Hasina declared without mincing any words in lambasting Yunus.

She charged Yunus with erasing the achievements of the Awami League for Bangladesh’s liberation war and said, “All signs of Bangladesh’s freedom movement are being removed. Mukti Joddhas (freedom fighters) are being insulted. We had built Mukti Joddha Complexes in all districts to keep their memories alive, but those are being burnt down. Will Dr Yunus be able to justify this?”

Sheikh Hasina Targeted Awami League, Igoring Vandals

Sheikh Hasina accused the caretaker regime of targeting Awami League leaders deliberately while ignoring real perpetrators of violence. “Awami League leaders are being implicated in the killing of vandals. The people who set police stations on fire and beat policemen to death are not being prosecuted. Cases are being registered against Awami League leaders. Our leaders cannot remain indoors, everything has been ruined,” she said.

“If you play with fire, it will burn you too,” she added.

She accused the present government, aided by the BNP, of bringing an economic shock that has devastated Bangladesh’s industry. “Thousands of factories have since closed down, and those owned by Awami leaders have been torched. Industries are being completed. Hotels, hospitals, everything is being torched,” Hasina claimed.

Questions Over Protester’s Death and UN Report

One of the central aspects of her speech addressed the killing of student activist Abu Sayeed during a confrontation while taking part in the quota reform protests last year. His murder created a nationwide uproar and made him a martyr for the student movement. Earlier in February, a UN fact-finding report determined that Sayeed had fallen victim to a “deliberate extrajudicial killing” by the police using bullets with a caliber of 7.62 mm.

Hasina refuted this accusation, however, and accused outside conspirators. “Abu Sayeed was struck by a rubber bullet. The police did not fire metal bullets. A stone hit his head when they were hurling stones at the police. Even the police were entitled to defend themselves when attacked. But where did the 7.62 mm bullet originate? Who took that rifle to the protest?” she asked.

She also accused an official who tried to identify the origin of the bullet of being replaced from his job. “When one official identified the bullet and promised to see which civilians possess this kind of weapon, Yunus replaced him. He did this because he is the one to blame for this killing.”

Conspiracy Charges and Denial of Justice

Sheikh Hasina charged Yunus with preventing a judicial investigation into the deaths of protesters. “I constituted a judicial enquiry committee in July to investigate the death of protesters, but Yunus did not allow them to function. Now dig up Sayeed’s body and do a forensic test. It will be established that all the killings were a conspiracy. I killed them not, nor Awami League nor police,” she stated.

“Those who unleashed violence were indemnified. Will they be brought to book? No, because Yunus masterminded this. It was part of his careful plan.”

Country in Crisis Under Interim Rule, Says Sheikh Hasina

The ex-Prime Minister alleged that the existing regime has dismembered state institutions and substituted professionals with political workers. “Top doctors and surgeons were removed. Political activists were provided with police uniforms. Are they competent for the job? No rules were followed,” she complained, threatening increased unemployment and farm distress.

Thousands of workers are unemployed. Farmers are upset. Hardworking individuals are losing their livelihoods. They are humiliating humans at every step. I cannot allow this to go on,” she said, reaffirming her determination to return and take back the reins.

Exile, Arrest Warrant, and India’s Role

Hasina, who escaped to India in August 2024, fearing for her life, has promised to go back to Bangladesh. “This was the reason Allah had kept me alive,” she said to her supporters. In the meantime, a new arrest warrant has been issued against her by a Dhaka court.

Meanwhile, she continues to address her supporters through the official social media accounts of her party. Consequently, her tirades have prompted diplomatic action from the interim government. During her latest meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yunus allegedly accused Hasina of attempting to destabilize Bangladesh and urged India to rein her in.

Earlier, India had complained of the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh, but Dhaka dismissed such reports as exaggerated and unfounded. Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions continue to persist as the political crisis in Bangladesh grows deeper under Yunus’ contentious leadership

What Triggered Violence Against Global Brands KFC And Pizza Hut In Bangladesh | TDG Explainer

April 9, 2025, 3:17 pm

What started as peaceful demonstrations in support of Palestine has escalated into violent protests targeting international brands across Bangladesh. Outlets of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Bata have come under attack by angry protesters claiming links between these companies and Israel’s war campaign in Gaza. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happened, who’s involved, and what it could mean going forward.

Who is involved?

The protests involved students, locals, and political groups across cities like Dhaka, Bogra, Sylhet, Chittagong, and Cox’s Bazar. The brands under attack include Bata, KFC, and Pizza Hut. The police and the interim government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus have also stepped in to manage the situation.

What triggered the violence?

Demonstrators accused certain global brands of having associations with Israel. While the protests began as a show of solidarity for Gaza, they quickly took a violent turn, with crowds vandalising stores and demanding boycotts of “Israeli-linked” products.

When did it happen?

The unrest peaked during nationwide protests held on Monday, with violent incidents reported across multiple Bangladeshi cities. The fallout continued through Tuesday, with police raids and arrests ongoing.

Where did it happen?

Violence was reported in several key urban areas:

Bogra: Protesters attacked a Bata showroom.
Sylhet: A KFC outlet was stormed and vandalised.
Chittagong: KFC and Pizza Hut suffered property damage.
Cox’s Bazar: Protesters hurled stones at store logos.

Why did it escalate?

The backlash stemmed from social media-fueled claims linking these brands to Israel. Despite companies like Bata issuing public statements clarifying they have no political affiliation, the misinformation had already spread. “We are aware of inaccurate claims suggesting that Bata is an Israeli-owned company… It is deeply regrettable,” the company stated.

How is the government responding?

Prime Minister-in-waiting Dr. Muhammad Yunus condemned the attacks, promising strict action. “These attacks and acts of vandalism are an affront to public safety and the rule of law,” Yunus said.

As of now, 49 individuals have been arrested, with multiple cases filed and video footage under review to identify more perpetrators.

What began as a passionate stand for a global cause has turned into a domestic flashpoint, revealing the volatile mix of misinformation, political unrest, and rising extremism in Bangladesh. As authorities race to restore order, the protests serve as a cautionary tale about how global conflicts can have very real local consequences.

‘Allah Kept Me Alive, I Will Return’: Sheikh Hasina’s Bold Message From India

April 8, 2025, 3:05 pm

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made an emotional vow to bring justice to those responsible for violence against Awami League members, stating, “Allah kept me alive for a reason.”

During a virtual interaction with family members of slain Awami League leaders and supporters, Hasina spoke with her camera turned off, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into her ongoing fight for justice. Recalling the trauma of losing her entire family, including her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in the 1975 coup, she said, “I lost my father, mother, brother, everyone in one day. And then they did not let us return to the country.”

The Awami League chief, currently residing in India after being ousted from power, accused Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus of deceit and power-lust. “He loaned out small amounts at high interest rates and used the money to live lavishly abroad. We could not understand his duplicity then, so we helped him a lot. But people did not benefit. He did well for himself. Then developed a lust for power that is burning Bangladesh now,” she said.

Hasina condemned the current state of Bangladesh, saying it has become a “terrorist country” where members of the Awami League, police, journalists, and even artists are being attacked. She claimed a media crackdown was silencing critical voices: “Rapes, murders, dacoities, nothing can be reported. And if it is reported, the TV channel or newspaper will be targeted.”

As grieving supporters described atrocities against their families, Hasina assured them of justice. When one woman described how her father was killed, Hasina replied, “You will do justice, the way I did justice after my parents were killed. We will find them, the day will come. I believe this, or I would not be alive.”

In a lighter moment, when a supporter asked how she was doing, Hasina responded simply, “I am alive, son.” To another who wished her a return to leadership, she answered, “He will. That’s why Allah has kept me alive. I am coming.”

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s interim Prime Minister Md Yunus reportedly raised the issue of Hasina’s extradition with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BIMSTEC summit. Yunus accused her of “making inflammatory remarks” and “trying to destabilise the situation in Bangladesh,” urging India to “restrain her from continuing to make such incendiary statements.”

India has previously expressed concern over alleged violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Yunus, however, dismissed those concerns, claiming the reports were “hugely inflated” and “the bulk of them were fake news.”

PM Modi Meets Bangladesh’s Interim Leader Yunus in Thailand, First Talks Since Hasina’s Exit

April 4, 2025, 1:03 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Bangladesh chief advisor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand’s Bangkok on Friday.

The bilateral meeting comes after Dhaka had requested a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit to sort out differences, but PM Modi’s schedule in Thailand did not mention the requested meeting.

Rising Tensions Between India and Bangladesh

The two nations saw tensions in ties due to differences over the alleged instances of violence targeting Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and India’s decision to grant asylum to Sheikh Hasina.

Controversial Comments on Northeast India

Tensions in bilateral ties also escalated after Yunus’s comment on India’s northeastern states during his visit to the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference in China.

Speculations Ahead of the Meeting between PM Modi and Yunus

Earlier, a PTI report suggested that PM Modi would likely meet Yunus. On Thursday, the prime minister and Yunus were seated together at a dinner hosted on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit.

First High-Level Engagement Since Hasina’s Exile

The talks also mark the first highest level of engagement with the interim government after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India and sought asylum in August last year. The former prime minister fled Bangladesh following a massive student-led protest that toppled her Awami League’s 16-year regime.

Extradition Request and India’s Silence

Yunus has claimed that Dhaka sent “formal letters” to India seeking Hasina’s extradition to face a legal trial but received no official response from New Delhi.

Narendra Modi Reaffirms Commitment to Bangladesh

In a letter to Yunus last month, PM Modi said, “India remains committed to advancing its partnership with Bangladesh, driven by the common aspirations for peace, stability, and prosperity, and based on mutual sensitivity to each other’s interests and concerns.”

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization of seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations with a total population of 1.73 billion people and a combined GDP of US$5.2 trillion. Thailand is the current chairman of the grouping. The current summit was the first physical meeting of the leaders since the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2018.

Sheikh Hasina Set to Return as PM, Says Awami League Leader

March 13, 2025, 10:37 am

Sheikh Hasina’s Return to Power Assured Dr. Rabbi Alam, US Awami League Vice President, has assured that Sheikh Hasina would soon be returning as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister. Thanking India, he recognised the efforts made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government of India in providing a secure passage and refuge to Awami League leaders in this crisis period.

Talking to ANI, Alam, a confidant of the deposed Prime Minister, was sure about Hasina’s return while ignoring the legitimacy of the present administration headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

“We want to ask the Bangladesh Advisor to step down and go back to where he came from… Sheikh Hasina is coming back as the Prime Minister. The young generation has made a mistake, but that’s not their fault; they have been manipulated,” Alam said.

Bangladesh Experiences Crisis, Demands Global Attention Alam defined the situation in Bangladesh as an attack, demanding international intervention.

“Bangladesh is under attack, and it needs to be addressed by the international community. A political uprising is fine, but that is not what has been going on in Bangladesh. This is a terrorist uprising,” he added.

Awami League Thanks India for Support Amid Political Crisis

He particularly expressed gratitude to India. “Many of our leaders are sheltered here in India, and we are very thankful to the Indian government for providing the alignment. I also thank PM Narendra Modi for providing a safe travel passage for our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We are thankful to the people of India,” Alam said.

Seizure of Sheikh Hasina’s Properties Tensions ran higher in Bangladesh as a Dhaka court directed the seizure of Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi home, ‘Sudhasadan.’ The court also directed the freezing of other assets owned by her relatives, including her son Sajib Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and sister Sheikh Rehana.

Besides, 124 bank accounts of the family members of Hasina were also frozen. The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Ghalib at the request of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Bangladesh Files Protest Against Hasina’s Remarks Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a formal protest to India against what it called “false and fabricated” remarks by Sheikh Hasina. A protest note was submitted to the Acting High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, calling on the Indian government to take action to stop Hasina from issuing “incendiary remarks” on social media and other media.

Legal Challenges and Political Uprising Continue in Bangladesh

Arrest Warrant and Political Protest In January, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) had issued an arrest warrant against Hasina and 10 other people, including former Defence Adviser Major General (retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and former-Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed. The warrants followed charges of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

Bangladesh’s political crisis started on August 5, when a student uprising led to the removal of Hasina after weeks of protests and street battles, killing more than 600. She subsequently fled to India, and an interim government was set up under Yunus.

Political tensions in Bangladesh are still running high with the return of Hasina imminent as her supporters and detractors look forward to the next phase in the country’s leadership crisis.

Donald Trump Distances US from Bangladesh Crisis: “Leave It to PM Modi”

February 14, 2025, 2:40 pm

At a joint media session in Washington with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Donald Trump distanced the United States from any role in Bangladesh’s current political crisis. Trump signaled his administration did not consider the crisis in Bangladesh to be a priority and refused to comment on the issue.

When asked about the role of the US “deep state” in the recent political developments in Bangladesh, Trump responded, “I’ll leave Bangladesh to PM Modi,” signaling that the issue would be handled by India. This remark came after a journalist’s pointed question regarding US involvement in the regime change in Bangladesh.

I will leave Bangladesh to the Prime Minister Modi: Trump pic.twitter.com/0vJVcJDIzx

— The Jaipur Dialogues (@JaipurDialogues) February 14, 2025

Diplomatic Experts Weigh in on Trump-Modi Talks

Diplomats had initially expected that the Bangladesh situation would be a key agenda item in the bilateral dialogue between Trump and Modi, with the political turbulence in the region. But the reaction from Trump suggested that America would not get involved directly.

Speaking to the president’s comment, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that Bangladesh was the subject of discussion between the two leaders. “On what we make of the statement on Bangladesh… this was a subject that was discussed between the two leaders. And the Prime Minister shared his views and, indeed, his concerns about recent developments in Bangladesh and how India sees the situation,” Misri stated.

US Suspends Assistance to Bangladesh During Crisis

The US move to disengage itself from the crisis was simultaneous with the announcement of the suspension of all assistance to Bangladesh. The Trump administration, through its donor agency USAID, stated that it would immediately suspend all activities in the country. This encompasses the suspension of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other procurement activities hitherto conducted by the US in Bangladesh.

In a formal letter, USAID informed its allies that all of its projects under its Bangladesh operation would be suspended. The suspension is especially significant for Bangladesh, as the nation has historically depended on international assistance for diverse development programs. The American aid withdrawal will have an important impact on programs in areas like education and agriculture, which have long enjoyed US support.

This SEO-friendly version of the news report incorporates significant key phrases, remains current on the topic of international relations and aid, and is provided for educational purposes.

UN Reports 1,400 Deaths in Bangladesh Protests, Yunus Govt Counts 834

February 12, 2025, 5:15 pm

The United Nations has reported that around 1,400 people died during anti-government protests under Sheikh Hasina’s regime in Bangladesh. The global body emphasized that the Hasina-led government orchestrated systematic attacks and killings of protesters to remain in power. Such measures as the UN underlined may be qualified as “crimes against humanity.

Government Overthrown After Student-Led Agitation

Mass agitation, spearheaded by students, led to the ouster of Hasina’s government last August. Following her ouster, she relocated to neighboring India. Initially, demonstrations against civil service job quotas, however, the demonstrations have become a movement demanding Hasina to step down all over the country.

The UN published its report following a fact-finding mission into the events between 1 July and 15 August 20191. The UN rights office confirmed it had “reasonable grounds to believe that the crimes against humanity of murder, torture, imprisonment, and infliction of other inhumane acts have taken place.

According to the report, using more than 230 confidential interviews, medical data, photos, and videos, the government, in consultation with members of Awami League and Bangladeshi security apparatuses, systematically targeted protestors and civilians.

Hasina Defies Arrest Warrant

Hasina has refused to accept an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity. According to the UN report [here], apart from those killed by the violence itself, security forces supporting the government of President Hasina intensified the use of violent countermeasures, thus resulting in a shocking number of dead.

The UN mission, launched at the request of Bangladesh’s interim leader, Mohammed Yunus, included human rights investigators, a forensic physician, and a weapons expert. Findings indicate that security forces killed most of the 1,400 victims, with children accounting for 12-13% of those killed. Thousands more suffered injuries during the violent crackdown.

The estimated death toll is higher than the 834 deaths reported by the Bangladesh interim government. The UN further stated that the former administration systematically used violent means to suppress dissent.

Violence Against Minorities Escalates in Bangladesh

As the protests intensified, minority communities in Bangladesh faced increased violence. According to the Associated Press (AP), Hindus—a significant minority—suffered numerous attacks. Between 4 and 20 August 2013, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council registered 2,010 incidents of communal violence. These included attacks on 69 temples, vandalism, arson, and physical assaults, resulting in deaths and injuries.

Between August 21 and December 31, 2024, another 174 incidents occurred, claiming 23 lives.

International Community Raises Concern

UN’s disclosures have led to an outcry around the globe, and human rights groups are calling for justice. The report highlights the urgency for further independent inquests and international action to stop ongoing human rights abuses in Bangladesh.

The interim administration has not responded to the UN’s findings yet. In the meantime, Hasina is staying in India, flouting legal action in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Calls India’s Reaction to Mujibur Rahman’s Home Demolition ‘Unwarranted’

February 10, 2025, 4:50 pm

Interim government of Bangladesh has dismissed India’s concerns about the demolition of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence, describing it as “unexpected and unwarranted.” The administration insisted that the problem is internal and requested that India refrain from commenting on Bangladesh’s affairs.

Last Wednesday, thousands of protesters set fire to Rahman’s residence at 32 Dhanmondi in Dhaka, a famous location where the country’s founding father led the autonomy fight before proclaiming independence from Pakistan in 1971. The house, now a memorial, was destroyed during the revolt.

India Expresses Anguish Over Destruction

India was highly critical of the destruction. It termed the attack as a form of vandalism. On Thursday, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement expressing regret over the incident.

It is a pity that on February 5, the historical residence of Bangladesh’s Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was destroyed. He was a symbol of the heroic resistance of the people of Bangladesh against the forces of occupation and oppression. Everyone who values the freedom struggle which nurtured Bangla identity and pride is well aware of how important this residence is for the national consciousness of Bangladesh,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Bangladesh Response Firm

Reacting to India’s statement, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry asserted that the issue at Dhanmondi 32 falls strictly under Bangladesh’s internal affairs.

A statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs on this matter, issued on February 6, 2025, has come to the attention of the interim government. Such remarks from India’s foreign ministry on Bangladesh’s internal affairs are unexpected and unwarranted,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, quoted by the state-run BSS news agency.

“Bangladesh does not officially comment on the internal affairs of any state, and it expects the same level of conduct from others,” Alam added.

Interim Government Blames Sheikh Hasina’s ‘Provocative’ Speech

The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, held deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina responsible for the violence. In a statement on Thursday, the Chief Adviser’s office described the demolition of Rahman’s residence as an “unintended and unexpected” consequence of public anger fueled by Hasina’s provocative remarks.

“The government hopes that India will not allow its territory to be used for destabilizing purposes in Bangladesh and will not allow Sheikh Hasina to speak. The interim government does not want such incidents to happen again in the future,” the statement read.

Alam further accused Hasina, who has been residing in India since August 5 last year, of making political statements that have sparked unrest across Bangladesh. “Ousted Prime Minister Hasina, while staying in India, has been making political statements from time to time, which are not being received well by the people of Bangladesh,” he said.

Escalating Violence in Bangladesh

Since Wednesday night, violent protests have broken out across Bangladesh in response to Hasina’s live web address. Mobs have attacked her admirers, vandalizing homes and businesses around the country. According to sources, there have been around 70 attacks in at least 35 districts since Wednesday.

Hasina, 77, escaped Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, following a massive student-led rebellion that ended her 16-year leadership with the Awami League. The protests had garnered broad support, prompting her to seek shelter in India.

India’s Role and Future Developments

It appears to be escalating further, especially in response to the growing diplomatic tension between India and Bangladesh. Consequently, Bangladesh has called on New Delhi to remain impartial. Although New Delhi condemned the violence and destruction inflicted on the Mujibur Rahman historical residence, external interference was frowned upon by the interim government in Bangladesh.

Political analysts are anxiously awaiting what the Bengali situation will turn out to be. Bangladesh is also facing deep political instability, and the way the interim government manages this event will define the future of the country.

Bangladesh Newspaper Editor Acquitted in 2015 Plot to Abduct and Kill Hasina’s Son

February 10, 2025, 3:57 pm

A court in Dhaka, Bangladesh, acquitted prominent newspaper editor Mahmudur Rahman on Monday in a case related to a failed plot to abduct and kill Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in the United States in 2015. Rahman, the editor of Amar Desh, had been convicted and sentenced in absentia, but the court found the charges against him to be fabricated.

The judgment was delivered by Dhaka’s 4th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Tarique Aziz. In his ruling, Judge Aziz stated, “The charges brought against the appellant were found to be false and fabricated. So, the judgment sentencing him by the trial court was scrapped and the appellant was acquitted.”

Rahman, who had been sentenced to seven years in prison in 2022, had appealed the conviction, leading to the reversal of the sentence.

Reactions of Rahman on the Court Verdict

Rahman talked to the media after the verdict and expressed relief and gratitude. “I finally got justice from the court,” Rahman said. “I will continue my fight against fascism, which is also the country’s struggle.” The appeal for acquittal of Rahman was heard and accepted. So, his earlier sentence was canceled.

Background of the Case

The case dates back to August 3, 2015, when a complaint was filed accusing Rahman, along with senior journalist Shafik Rehman and others, of conspiring to abduct and kill Sajeeb Wazed Joy. The plot allegedly included meetings with members of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Bangladesh.

Rahman, Rehman, and numerous others were arrested and condemned in absentia, although Rahman returned to Bangladesh in 2022 after more than five years of exile. Upon his return, he submitted to the authorities and was imprisoned.

Implications of the Verdict

The case against Rahman, which involved several high-profile political individuals, has sparked widespread discussion in Bangladesh about the ramifications of such a decision for political freedom and justice. The acquittal gives Rahman’s case a fresh twist, as he continues to speak out against political tyranny in the country.

India-Bangladesh Tensions Rise Over Sheikh Hasina’s Remarks and Dhaka Vandalism

February 7, 2025, 12:09 pm

Tensions between India and Bangladesh have intensified following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to New Delhi. On Thursday, Bangladesh strongly protested against her alleged “false and fabricated comments.” Meanwhile, India firmly condemned the recent vandalism at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence in Dhanmondi 32.

Bangladesh Lodges Formal Protest

According to The Dhaka Tribune, Bangladesh officially complained to India. In response, officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian acting High Commissioner Pawan Badhe. They handed him a protest note, stating that Hasina’s remarks were “instigating instability” in Bangladesh.

Furthermore, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain described Hasina’s statements as “provocative.” He warned that such remarks could hurt the sentiments of the younger generation. “We will see what steps India takes,” he added. Moreover, he mentioned that Bangladesh repeatedly urged India to prevent Hasina from making such statements. However, India has not yet responded.

India Condemns Dhanmondi Vandalism

At the same time, India issued a strong statement against the destruction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep regret over the incident. “It is regrettable that the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a symbol of the heroic resistance of the people of Bangladesh against the forces of occupation and oppression, was destroyed on February 5, 2025,” he stated.

Additionally, Jaiswal emphasized the importance of the residence. “All those who value the freedom struggle that nurtured Bangla identity and pride are aware of the importance of this residence for the national consciousness of Bangladesh. This act of vandalism should be strongly condemned,” he added.

Meanwhile, Md Touhid Hossain admitted that the incident created a negative perception. “We know it will come negatively (destruction at Dhanmondi 32),” he acknowledged. Nevertheless, he described the act as an “expression of anger” and assured that the government would take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Dispute Over Adani Deal and Minority Rights

On another note, Hossain criticized a past agreement with India regarding Adani. “The deal with Adani was not a good one, and it was not done protecting Bangladesh’s interests,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mistri visited Dhaka. During his visit, he reiterated India’s commitment to a “democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh.” Additionally, he voiced concerns about the hardships faced by minorities in Bangladesh.

As tensions continue to rise, both countries remain watchful of each other’s next moves.

Bangladesh Protests Sheikh Hasina’s Remarks, Urges India to Act

February 6, 2025, 11:45 pm

The Bangladesh government has lodged a strong diplomatic protest against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in self-exile in India. Dhaka accuses her of making “false and fabricated” statements on social media, stirring instability in the country.

Dhaka Calls Hasina’s Remarks “Hostile”

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry officially handed a protest note to India’s acting high commissioner, expressing “deep concern, disappointment, and serious reservations” over Hasina’s statements. The government claims her speeches are inciting unrest and damaging bilateral ties.

India Yet to Respond to Extradition Request

Hasina fled to India in August 2024 after stepping down amid nationwide protests. Dhaka has since filed multiple criminal cases against her, including charges of extra-judicial killings. Bangladesh formally requested her extradition on December 12, 2024, but India has not yet responded, as confirmed by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in Rajya Sabha.

Religious Pilgrimage Canceled Amid Tensions

In a separate development, Bangladesh’s Anjuman-e-Kaderiya religious group canceled its request for a special train to West Bengal for the annual Urs event. This marks the first time in centuries that the group’s members will not attend the religious gathering.

Strained Relations Between India and Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India remains a diplomatic concern, with Dhaka demanding immediate action to curb her statements. As tensions escalate, India’s response to Bangladesh’s demands remains crucial in shaping future relations between the two nations.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: Bangladesh Founder’s Historic Home Demolished Amid Political Unrest

February 6, 2025, 6:50 pm

Among rising political chaos in Bangladesh, protesters burned down and partly tore down the historical home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of Bangladesh. After a passionate online speech by Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Rahman and the deposed former Prime Minister, demanding her followers rise against the interim administration, this strike happened.

The Attack on Dhanmondi-32

Violent protests happened at Rahman’s Dhanmondi-32 house, which has great importance to Bangladesh’s past. Surrounding the house, thousands of protesters equipped with sticks, hammers, as well as other tools. Trying to demolish parts of the building, some protesters even brought a bulldozer and a crane. Still others launched fires throughout the house.

The rally, known as the ‘bulldozer march,’ was arranged to interrupt Hasina’s planned online address in which she was to urge opposition to the interim administration. Particularly from political parties against her leadership and the recently established administration, Hasina’s speech has provoked serious opinions.

Political Furies Melted

The fierce political mood in Bangladesh is shown by the residence’s violent assault and the continuous protests. Most of the protesters teamed with the ‘Students Against Discrimination’ organization, which opposes Hasina’s power and regards her speech as a head-on opposition to the acting government.

Political tensions have soared since Sheikh Hasina lost power in August 2024, with demonstrations and violence increasing. With groups calling for political transformation and the restoration of democracy, the government under temporary leaders is under increasing pressure.

Bangladesh’s historical importance rests greatly on the house at Dhanmondi-32. This was where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman announced in 1971 the nation’s independence from Pakistan, therefore a turning point in the fight for independence. Later, this same house became the site of a national disaster when assassins killed Mujib and the majority of his family in 1975.

Hasina, one of the few survivors, converted the home into a museum honoring her father’s legacy and the hard-earned independence of the country following the killing. Therefore the assault on this house is also a symbolic strike on the independence and heritage of Bangladesh as well as a bodily assault on her personal history.

Sheikh Hasina’s reaction to the assault

Hasina said about the attack, ‘They can raze a building, but not the history. “History takes its revenge.” Her words show the rebellion of a leader who has experienced both personal and world events. She also begged citizens to reject the provisional administration, claiming that they were getting control by unlawful ways and eroding the democratic process.

Spanish protests driven by students call for political transformation.

The student-organized groups leading the demonstrations, meanwhile, have promised to abolish the 1972 Constitution on the grounds that it symbolizes Mujib’s political inheritance. These organizations want a return of what they regard as actual democracy and want the political structure reformed.

The demonstrations are a strong reminder of the political unrest and division present in Bangladesh. The future of the country’s leadership is still up in the air as both sides fight over the interim government’s legitimacy and Bangladesh’s way forward with tensions running high.

Bangladesh Summons Indian Envoy, Demands Action to Stop Hasina’s Speeches

February 6, 2025, 5:55 pm

Bangladesh lodged strong protest on Tuesday (6 February) against the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s alleged false and fabricated statements urging India to prevent her making such remarks so long as she is in that country.

The Dhaka Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially released a press statement following a formal protest, emphasizing that Hasina’s comments are inflaming instability in Bangladesh and impacting public opinion.

Diplomatic Protest Lodged

To address the problem, the foreign ministry summoned Indian Acting High Commissioner in Dhaka, Pawan Badhe and sent a formal diplomatic note to him. This note conveyed Bangladesh’s deep concern, disappointment, and serious reservations regarding Hasina’s remarks. It made it explicit that they hurt the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people.

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain added, “Hasina’s statement was very aggressive, which must have hurt the sentiments of the young generation.” He said Bangladesh will watch the response from the Indian side closely. “We will see what steps India takes,” he added, saying that Dhaka has been asking New Delhi time and again to ask Hasina not to indulge in such activities.

Bangladesh terms Hasina’s statement as ‘Hostile Act

The foreign ministry sees Hasina’s activities as a hostile act against Bangladesh. It emphasized the fact that such behavior is injurious to a healthy diplomatic relationship between the two neighboring countries.
Bangladesh urged India to take immediate action in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding to stop Hasina from making inflammatory statements through social media and other channels of communication during her visit to India.

Bangladesh Criticizes India’s Adani Deal

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain responded to a query on agreements with India regarding Bangladesh’s energy deal with the Adani Group. “The deal with Adani was not a good one, and it was not done protecting Bangladesh’s interests,” he said, criticizing the terms of the agreement.

However, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will lead a very short official visit to the United Arab Emirates for talk on mutual areas of interests on visa related areas.

‘Cant Erase History’: Sheikh Hasina’s Emotional Response After Mob Vandalizes Father’s House

February 6, 2025, 4:10 pm

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has issued an emotional statement after a mob vandalized and set fire to the historic residence of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Dhaka. She stated that although the structure may be destroyed, history of her family could never be erased.

These remarks have been made by Hasina, who has been living in India since her ouster in August 2024. The remarks were in the form of an audio address shared on her Awami League party’s Facebook account. “Why do they fear a house? We live for those memories of Dhanmondi. A structure can be erased, but history cannot be wiped out,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion.

The assault occurred on Wednesday as Hasina spoke to rally-goers in a function led by the defunct student front of the Awami League, Chhatra League. Thousands of protesters had gathered outside the house in Dhanmondi, responding to a social media call for a “Bulldozer Procession.” The residence was an important venue in Bangladesh’s independence movement; it has since been transformed into the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum after the Hasina siblings donated it to the state.

The house had earlier been attacked on August 5, 2024, when Hasina’s nearly 16-year rule was overthrown by a massive student-led protest forcing her and her sister Sheikh Rehana to flee to India. In her speech, Hasina accused the present government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, of plotting to wipe out Mujibur Rahman’s legacy.

Hasina also appealed to her followers to resist the present government. “They are yet to acquire the energy to destroy the national flag, the constitution, and the independence we obtained through the blood of millions of martyrs at the cost of a bulldozer,” she said, referring in a veiled attack to the student movement that had toppled her government. The movement had vowed to scrap Bangladesh’s 1972 Constitution, with some far-right groups even proposing a change to the national anthem.

Recalling multiple assassination attempts on her life, Hasina claimed the current administration had plotted to kill her and her sister. “The meticulous plan by Muhammad Yunus this time was to kill me and my sister,” she alleged. She further criticized Yunus for mishandling money meant for Grameen Bank, claiming her administration had furnished 400 crore Bangladeshi taka, which is laundered in the process.

Addressing the students, Hasina urged them not to be manipulated into political agendas. “At this age, it is easy to be manipulated,” she warned, urging them to focus on their studies for the betterment of the country.

Taslima Nasreen Condemns Arson Attack on Sheikh Mujib’s Dhaka Home: “Cry, Bangladesh Cry”

February 6, 2025, 3:43 pm

Bangladeshi author living in exile Taslima Nasreen has said she feels an intense sense of pain after the arson attack on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence on Wednesday evening, which has thrown the nation into a storm. The controversy began with this particular attack as a concern about maintaining the historical heritage of the nation. Nasreen, a very vocal critic of communalism, reminded that all freedom fighters deserve to be never forgotten and remembered.

Arson Attack Targets Sheikh Mujib’s Legacy

Nasreen expressed her anguish over the burning of the residence, referred to as Dhanmondi 32, on the microblogging and social networking platform X, saying it was a tragic loss. “The last trace of the architect of independent Bangladesh has been burned to ashes today. Cry, Bangladesh, cry,” she wrote.

The last trace of the architect of independent Bangladesh has been burned to ashes today.
Cry, Bangladesh, cry. pic.twitter.com/lj17JJ4IzJ

— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) February 5, 2025

The attack, condemned by many, was believed to have been carried out by Islamic terrorists. Nasreen raises questions about the motives behind the vandalism, saying that if the anger of the attackers was at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, then they should not have targeted the museum dedicated to Sheikh Mujib.

A Critique of Political Power and History Erasure

Nasreen also took the chance to attack the current political regime in Bangladesh. She targeted a direct shot at Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, whom she insinuated was behind the current attempts to wipe out the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. “The ones attacking Sheikh Mujib’s museum are those who never wanted an independent Bangladesh, who rejected secularism, who wanted an Islamic state in 1971,” Nasreen said.

She accuses these individuals and their descendants, whom she asserts are now ruling, of the destruction of Bangladesh’s legacy. Nasreen blamed law enforcement as well for staying silent while these hardline Islamist groups conducted their attacks. She warned that this attempt to destroy Sheikh Mujib’s legacy is not a new idea but has been going on since Yunus took power.

Preservation of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Legacy

Nasreen’s call for preserving Bangladesh’s history was firm. She demanded that a museum be built to honour Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s contributions, urging the construction of a replica of the original residence at Dhanmondi 32. “A grand, new Dhanmondi 32 should be built again at the location of Dhanmondi 32. The memory of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman should be preserved,” she said.

A grand, new Dhanmondi 32 should be built again at the location of Dhanmondi 32. The memory of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman should be preserved. A museum should be built, even if it requires a replica.

The sculptures and museum dedicated to the freedom fighters should be reconstructed…

— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) February 6, 2025

The author also urged that Bangladesh’s Liberation War from Pakistan in 1971 be taught to its children properly at schools and colleges. She again pleaded for a secular state where religiously inspired politics do not dominate and advised Prime Minister Hasina to review her previous stint in office as well, when she erred on some decisions. Nasreen further advised the reforming of the Awami League with the eradication of corrupt officers from its body and the induction of secular, feminist thinkers into the mainstream.

Taslima Nasreen’s Plea for a Secular Bangladesh

Taslima Nasreen urged, therefore, the end of religious politics and a return to the values that Bangladesh was founded upon. Moreover, she added that the country needed, as a result, a new, secular, and progressive political party that would represent the ideals of a free and equal society.

The ardent stand Taslima Nasreen has for the preservation of Bangladesh’s past and the cause against communalism continues to remain in the media.

Sheikh Hasina’s Question: ‘Why Am I Still Alive?’ As Mob Wrecks Bangladesh Founder’s House

February 6, 2025, 11:56 am

An emotional Sheikh Hasina sent out a voice message to her supporters in Bangladesh, stating that her survival indicates there is still significant work left for her to accomplish. The ousted prime minister further asserted that while a mob might have demolished her house, they would never succeed in erasing history.

Sheikh Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is regarded as the founder of Bangladesh. Her statement followed the vandalism and arson attack on Rahman’s residence in Dhaka on Wednesday by a large group of protesters, coinciding with Hasina’s live online address.

In a tearful message, Hasina said, “We live for those memories of Dhanmondi. Now they are destroying that house. Last time they set this house on fire, now they are smashing it as well. Have I not done anything? Have I not worked for you all? Then why this house from where my father gave call for freedom has been ransacked? I want to ask my people who is behind this? I want justice.“

According to reports, thousands of people had gathered in front of the house in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area since early evening, responding to a social media call for a “Bulldozer Procession.” The protest coincided with Hasina’s scheduled address at 9 PM (BST).

During her speech, Hasina, addressing supporters of the now-disbanded Awami League student wing, Chhatra League, urged citizens to resist the current ruling establishment.

Referring to the regime of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, which was installed by the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, Hasina declared, “They are yet to have the strength to destroy the national flag, the constitution, and the independence that we earned at the cost of lives of millions of martyrs with a bulldozer.”

She further emphasized, “They can demolish a building, but not the history… but they must also remember that history takes its revenge.” The student movement had previously vowed to abolish Bangladesh’s 1972 Constitution, labeling it the “Mujibist Constitution.” Meanwhile, certain far-right groups had proposed changing the national anthem, which had been adopted by Sheikh Mujib’s government following Bangladesh’s independence.

The house at 32 Dhanmondi holds a significant place in Bangladesh’s history, as it was where Sheikh Mujib led the pre-independence autonomy movement for years. During Awami League’s tenure, it was converted into a museum that foreign dignitaries and heads of state would visit as part of state protocol.

This same residence was previously set ablaze on August 5 of the preceding year when Hasina’s nearly 16-year-long Awami League government was overthrown. Following the regime’s collapse, she and her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, left Bangladesh for India aboard a Bangladesh Air Force flight.

Hasina revealed that she and her only surviving sibling had donated their ancestral home to a trust, turning it into public property as the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. Sheikh Mujib, affectionately known as “Bangabandhu” or “Friend of Bengal,” had led a mass movement for autonomy from Pakistan in the late 1960s, which ultimately resulted in Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.

Sheikh Hasina ‘Escaped Death by Just 20-25 Minutes’, Reveals in Voice Note

January 18, 2025, 1:19 pm

The Bangladesh political party, Awami League, released a voice note recorded by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina describing her escape from certain death. In the audio clip, the 77-year-old leader trembles as she hails Allah for saving her life and accuses her political opponents of trying to kill her. Hasina, who has been living in Delhi since she escaped Dhaka last August, described her narrow escape from the country under extreme danger.

Close Call with Death

In this audio note, Sheikh Hasina, the speaker, recounts how both she and her sister, Rehana, narrowly dodged death on August 5, 2024. She fled from the country in 20 to 25 minutes before the violent mob entered her home, leaving behind all of her possessions and abandoning her role as the prime minister. In the message, Hasina claimed that it was the will of Allah that had saved her from death as she recalled the earlier attempts to assassinate her in which she had narrowly escaped death.

“We escaped death by just 20-25 minutes,” she says in the emotional recording. “Surviving the killings on August 21, surviving the bomb in Kotalipara, or surviving on August 5, 2024, there must be a will of Allah, the hand of Allah.”. Otherwise, I would not have come out alive this time. Yesterday, the ex-premier spoke to reporters about the deadly grenade attack on August 21, 2004, which killed at least 24 people, and the Kotalipara bomb conspiracy in July 2000, where perpetrators planted explosives at a college she was scheduled to visit.

Politics and Extradition Demands

Hasina, who faces corruption charges in Bangladesh, revealed that her political rivals plotted to kill her but failed because she believes Allah still has much for her to do. She became overcome with emotion in the recording and detailed how much the experience had affected her. “I am suffering, I am without my country, my home, everything has been burned,” she said emotionally.

Bangladesh has demanded her return to the home country, making the situation highly political. However, India’s foreign ministry confirmed that it has received this demand but refused to comment further. The escape of the leader of Bangladesh’s Awami League and the violence that characterized this event has precipitated political action, with cries for her to return to Bangladesh to face corruption charges.

Country in Turmoil

After students in Bangladesh erupted into violent protests that turned into a political uprising, Sheikh Hasina resigned. Fearing for her life, she fled to India on August 5. Soon after, a mob attacked her house, looting and ransacking the property. The political climate in Bangladesh remains volatile as attacks on minority Hindus increase the tension between India and Bangladesh.

An interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, supported by the armed forces, currently governs Bangladesh, and the future of Hasina remains uncertain as the country does not know whether the queen will return to restore political stability.

India Extend Visa of Sheikh Hasina Amid Extradition Call by Dhaka

January 8, 2025, 10:38 am

Following reports of an extradition request from Dhaka’s interim government, India has extended the visa of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The decision, approved by the Ministry of External Affairs, comes amidst escalating tensions over Hasina’s political status and legal challenges in Bangladesh. This development comes hours after Bangladesh’s new interim government revoked the passport of Sheikh Hasina and 96 others, citing their alleged involvement in the July unrest and enforced disappearance of many protestors.

B’desh Revoke Passport of Hasina

Hours before the visa extension, Bangladesh’s new interim government revoked Sheikh Hasina’s passport, along with 96 others, citing alleged involvement in the July unrest and enforced disappearance of protesters. Two days earlier, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh issued an arrest warrant for Hasina, demanding her appearance by February 12.

India Views Extradition Request as Legal, Not Diplomatic

Bangladesh’s interim government sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) seeking Hasina’s extradition. However, Indian officials emphasized the legal intricacies involved in extraditing a political leader to an interim government. According to sources, completing formalities and assessing legal aspects could take months, as well as explaining the decision to extend Hasina’s visa.

Political Asylum Unlikely

Despite granting the visa extension, India is unlikely to officially grant Sheikh Hasina political asylum due to the absence of specific laws addressing such cases. However, officials hinted at a cautious approach, emphasizing a thorough review of the extradition request.

Dhaka’s Pressure Tactics?

Major General Fazlur Rahman, chair of Bangladesh’s National Independent Commission of Inquiry, warned of possible interrogation in India if Hasina is not extradited. However, Indian officials see these developments as pressure tactics by Dhaka.

The Foreigners Regional Registration Office processed the visa extension, reportedly under the guidance of the Ministry of External Affairs. India will respond to Bangladesh’s note verbale “in due time,” signaling no immediate action.

This strategic delay aligns with India’s position of carefully navigating diplomatic and legal dimensions while maintaining regional stability.

Bangladeshi Court Issues Second Arrest Warrant for Exiled Leader Sheikh Hasina

January 6, 2025, 3:00 pm

A Bangladeshi court has issued a second arrest warrant for exiled former leader Sheikh Hasina. This time for her alleged role in enforced disappearances, according to chief prosecutor Tajul Islam. Dhaka had already issued an arrest warrant on charges of crimes against humanity for the 77-year-old Hasina. Hasina, who fled to India in August after being toppled by a student-led revolution.

Hasina’s 15-year tenure saw widespread human rights abuses, including mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents. The second warrant relates to enforced disappearances during her rule, with more than 500 people allegedly abducted by Bangladeshi security personnel and detained in secret facilities for years.

Since Hasina’s ouster, victims have begun coming forward with harrowing accounts of their ordeals. “The court issued a warrant against Sheikh Hasina and 11 others, including her military adviser, military personnel, and other law enforcement officials,” Islam told reporters.

Extradition Request for Sheikh Hasina

In December, Bangladesh asked India to send Hasina back to face trial, but Delhi declined to respond. Islam emphasized the court’s intention to proceed with the trial, stating, “We want to ensure the trial concludes as soon as possible, but that doesn’t mean we will break the law or impose a verdict without due process.”

Authorities have taken dozens of Hasina’s allies into custody since her government collapsed, accusing them of involvement in a police crackdown that killed more than 700 people during the unrest leading to her ouster.

UK Minister Tulip Siddiq, Sheikh Hasina Niece, Accused In £3.9B Bangladesh Scandal

December 20, 2024, 12:04 am

UK senior Labour minister Tulip Siddiq, currently Economic Secretary to the Treasury, has been implicated in a corruption investigation related to the embezzlement of £3.9 billion (Tk 590 billion) from infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation alleges that Siddiq’s family was involved in inflating the cost of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project by £1 billion through a 2013 deal brokered with Russia.

Siddiq, 42, who supervises anti-corruption work in the UK’s financial markets, has denied all the allegations. She is accused of arranging meetings between Bangladeshi officials and Russian representatives to secure an inflated project deal that allegedly sent excess funds into offshore accounts. Court documents suggest that around 30% of the excess funds were diverted to Siddiq and her family.

The ACC is also investigating Siddiq’s aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who was ousted in August after more than 20 years of rule. Hasina has been charged with several crimes, among them “crimes against humanity” committed during her tenure. Siddiq’s mother, Sheikh Rehana Siddiq, and several high-ranking members of Hasina’s administration are also accused, arrest warrants having been issued for 45 people, among them former Bangladeshi ministers.

Despite the ongoing inquiry, the ACC has yet to call Siddiq; meanwhile, she continues attending her ministry work. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed that the representative was relieved of her responsibility as a minister to participate in making decisions on Bangladesh issues; besides this, he said he holds her completely and utterly.

Siddiq, a Member of Parliament for Hampstead and Highgate since 2015, says that she has nothing to do with the scandal. According to her supporters, which include Syed Faruk, leader of the UK branch of Hasina’s Awami League party, the allegations of corruption were politically motivated and invented.

Sheikh Hasina First Public Address: Blasts Yunus Over Genocide, Minority Persecution Claims

December 5, 2024, 3:19 pm

Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh in a recent virtual event in New York has attacked Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus stating that he has engaged in “genocide” and failed to protect the religious minorities, particularly Hindus. She also pointed out the violence that has recently escalated against various minority communities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, alleging that Yunus was behind this well-organized campaign of persecution.

This public address marked Hasina’s first since fleeing Bangladesh to take refuge in India following mass anti-government protests in August. Hasina revealed that the protests had escalated to the point where she was forced to leave her official residence in Dhaka under pressure from armed demonstrators who had targeted the presidential palace, Ganabhaban. She recalled a tense moment when security forces were on the verge of opening fire to defend her, a situation she claimed could have led to a massacre had it not been for her instructions to refrain from using force.

In her speech, Hasina described Yunus as the mastermind behind the genocide, a claim she linked to the violence against minorities. She accused the current government of failing to intervene as places of worship, including Hindu temples and Buddhist shrines, were destroyed. She also criticized the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, in connection with protests against the violence.

Hasina further alleged that there had been a plot to assassinate her and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, similar to the assassination of their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975. The former Prime Minister reiterated her belief that the violence would not subside, despite her decision to leave Bangladesh in hopes of halting it.

In response to Hasina’s accusations, India expressed deep concern about the growing violence against minorities in Bangladesh and the “surge” in extremist rhetoric. The Indian government called on the interim government to fulfill its responsibilities in protecting all citizens, especially minority groups, and ensure that cases like the arrest of the Hindu monk were handled transparently and justly.

The deteriorating relationship between India and Bangladesh, following Yunus’s rise to power, highlights the increasing international pressure on the interim administration to safeguard religious freedoms and uphold human rights within the country.

Sheikh Hasina Faces Global Court: Bangladesh Seeks ICC Action On War Crimes

November 29, 2024, 7:06 am

A new significant development has been that Bangladesh asked the International Criminal Court to hold the trial of its dethroned Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, for crimes against humanity. The trial would befor the charges of her alleged involvement in a “massacre” during the July-August mass uprising and enforced disappearances during her 15-year tenure.

She faces a trial in Bangladesh’s own domestic tribunal, Internal Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD), which prompted the latest move.

Chief Adviser Meets ICC Prosecutor

Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, met with ICC prosecutor Karim A Khan at his residence to discuss the ongoing legal proceedings against Hasina. According to Yunus’ office, the meeting revolved around pushing for the prosecution of Hasina and her associates, particularly over alleged human rights violations during the 2000s protests and the subsequent actions of her government. Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s intention to seek justice on behalf of those affected by the violent suppression of the 2013 uprising and the ongoing issue of forced disappearances.

Domestic and International Legal Efforts

Hasina, who fled to India in August after mass protests erupted against her Awami League-led government, has faced numerous legal challenges. Yunus has reiterated his government’s plans to seek Hasina’s repatriation from India to stand trial in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the ICT-BD continues processing dozens of cases against Hasina and her allies, with many key figures already in hiding or imprisoned, both in Bangladesh and abroad. To bolster their efforts, the Bangladeshi authorities have requested Interpol’s assistance in locating and returning Hasina for prosecution.

ICC’s Role and Support

While Yunus and Khan discussed the pursuit of justice against Hasina, the ICC prosecutor noted that the court would be willing to cooperate with the ICT-BD. This collaboration could assist Bangladesh in securing further progress in their investigations and trials related to the crimes of Hasina’s administration. The ICT-BD has already issued arrest warrants for several members of Hasina’s Awami League party.

The Rohingya Crisis and Broader Accountability

Beyond the case of Sheikh Hasina, Yunus and Khan also touched upon the ongoing Rohingya crisis. Bangladesh has been at the forefront of providing refuge to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar. Khan informed Yunus that the ICC had formally sought an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, over crimes against humanity related to the brutal treatment of the Rohingya people.

As these legal proceedings unfold, the international community watches closely, as both Bangladesh and Myanmar face calls for accountability from global human rights bodies. The outcome of these discussions could have significant ramifications for regional stability and international justice.

Bangladesh’s efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina to justice on the international stage are a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing political and legal struggles. As the interim government pushes for Hasina’s trial, the cooperation between the ICC and local authorities could pave the way for significant accountability regarding the human rights violations committed during Hasina’s tenure. The situation also casts a spotlight on the broader issue of international responsibility in addressing atrocities committed by state actors.