MUMBAI: Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who now lives in India, has accused the United States of playing a role in her ouster.
In a statement quoted by the Economic Times, Hasina argued that she could remain in office if she was willing to compromise Bangladesh’s sovereignty, particularly by giving up the island of St. Martin and allowing US influence over the Bay of Bengal.
“I resigned so that I would not have to see the procession of the dead. They wanted to come to power over the dead bodies of the students, but I did not allow it,” said the ousted Bangladesh prime minister.
“I could have stayed in power if I had given up the sovereignty of the island of St. Martin and allowed America to control the Bay of Bengal,” Hasina said, urging her countrymen not to be manipulated by radical elements.
Saint Martin Island, a small 3 square kilometer landmass in the Bay of Bengal, is located near the southern tip of Bangladesh.
Hasina expressed deep sorrow over the violence and unrest that followed her resignation on August 5, amid growing student protests against the controversial quota system for government jobs.
The riots, which included killings, harassment and vandalism, led to fears for Hasina’s safety, prompting her to leave Dhaka in a military plane. It is currently under protection at an undisclosed location in India.
“My heart is crying when I received the news that many leaders have been killed, workers are being harassed and their houses are being vandalized and arson. By the grace of almighty Allah, I will be back soon.”
“The Awami League has stood up again and again. I will forever pray for the future of Bangladesh, the nation my great father aspired for,” she said.
Hasina also addressed the ongoing student protests and clarified that her previous comments were misrepresented to incite unrest.
“I never called you Razakars. My words were twisted to provoke you. Conspirators took advantage of your innocence and used you to destabilize the nation,” she said, urging students to see the full context of her statements.
Earlier, during a parliamentary session, Hasina accused the US of trying to orchestrate regime change in Bangladesh.
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, echoed those concerns and suggested that the recent protests were likely instigated by a foreign intelligence agency, though he refrained from specifically naming the US.
The United States has consistently criticized Bangladesh’s human rights record and electoral processes.
