In her first statement since being ousted from power, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid has made explosive claims, accusing the United States of orchestrating her government’s downfall.
Sheikh Hasina, who resigned following widespread student protests and sought refuge in India, held a press conference where she outlined the events leading to her departure.
According to Indian media reports, Sheikh Hasina, whose 15-year tenure came to an abrupt end, attributed her ouster to her refusal to grant the U.S. access to Saint Martin’s Island for the establishment of a military airbase. “My crime was not giving Saint Martin’s Island to America,” she stated, suggesting that this refusal was the primary reason behind her removal.
The former Prime Minister also revealed that she chose to resign to prevent further bloodshed. “If I hadn’t resigned, I would have witnessed a parade of corpses. They wanted to establish power over dead bodies, but I did not allow that,” she declared.
Addressing her fellow citizens, Sheikh Hasina urged them not to be misled by extremists, warning that the unrest in the country was part of a larger conspiracy.
The statement is based on a speech she intended to deliver to the nation before her resignation, which she was unable to give as protestors gathered outside her residence. Security officials reportedly advised her to leave the premises immediately.
The most critical part of her address was her accusation against the U.S., claiming that it was behind the student movement and the subsequent unrest aimed at changing the government.
Sheikh Hasina further alleged that the U.S. was conspiring to create a new Christian nation by combining parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar, and sought control of Saint Martin’s Island for this purpose. “I refused to compromise the country’s sovereignty and denied them the island,” she affirmed.
Sheikh Hasina’s statement has sent shockwaves across the region, adding a new layer of complexity to the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh. The international community is closely watching the developments, as these allegations could have far-reaching implications for U.S.-Bangladesh relations.
