'My father, other martyrs grossly insulted': Sheikh Hasina on ouster
Deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has spoken out for the first time since her ouster and subsequent escape from the country. In a three-page statement posted on X by her son Sajeeb Wazed, she referred to the recent coup as a "gross insult" to her father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was the founding President of Bangladesh. She also said that it was an "insult" to the martyrs who died for their nation.
'They insulted the blood of millions of martyrs'
"The Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose leadership we have gained self-esteem as an independent nation, got self-identity and got an independent country, has been grossly insulted," Hasina said. She added, "They insulted the blood of millions of martyrs. I want justice from the countrymen." Hasina also urged Bangladeshi citizens to observe National Mourning Day on August 15, in remembrance of her father's assassination.
Read her full statement here
Hasina calls for action against those behind violence
She further expressed her deep concern over the ongoing violence in Bangladesh, where students, teachers, police officers, journalists, and innocent bystanders have lost their lives. The demonstrators had attacked not only her, but also the house where she grew up, which had been converted into a museum and was visited by prominent figures from other countries. "That is now dust...And the memories we had—that have been reduced to ashes with the disrespect shown to Mujibur Rahman," she wrote.
Hasina's 15-year tenure ended abruptly
Hasina's 15-year tenure as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh came to an abrupt end on August 5, when she resigned amid escalating violent protests against her government. In 2018, the Hasina government removed all quotas, including the 30% quota for independence fighters' children and grandchildren in government posts. However, in a verdict by the Dhaka High Court on June 5, that decision was reversed, reinforcing the quota and sparking major demonstrations. Hasina is currently in India.
Hasina's rise to power
Hasina was 28 years old when Mujibur Rahman was assassinated. She lived in exile from 1975 till the late 1980s. While in exile, she worked her way up to become the leader of the Awami League, leading the party to victory in the 1996 national election, and becoming Bangladesh's first female prime minister. She returned to power again in 2009. But she has been accused of authoritarianism and human rights abuses, as well as suppressing free speech and suppressing dissent.
