Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticised the interim government in Dhaka, saying it has failed to control spiralling violence and lawlessness across the country. In an email interview, Hasina said Bangladesh under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus has descended into chaos, warning that political instability and attacks on minorities are damaging the country internally and straining ties with neighbouring nations, including India.
Her remarks came after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a political activist linked to the July movement that led to Hasina’s ouster. The murder triggered fresh violence, with attacks reported on media houses such as The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, and cultural organisations in Dhaka. Hasina alleged that extremists have been emboldened under the Yunus-led setup, claiming convicted militants were released from jail and radical groups allowed greater space in public life. She warned that the secular character of Bangladesh was being eroded, posing a threat to regional stability.
Responding to calls for her extradition following a death sentence awarded by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, Hasina termed the verdict a “political assassination in judicial robes”. She said she was denied a fair trial and legal representation of her choice, insisting the process was aimed at eliminating the Awami League from politics. “You cannot demand my return to face my political assassination,” Hasina said, adding that she left Bangladesh to prevent bloodshed. She maintained that she would be willing to return only after democracy is restored and the judiciary regains independence.
