The United States has categorically denied allegations that it played a role in the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who recently fled the country after resigning amid violent protests.

The rumors were addressed during a press briefing where White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “We have had no involvement at all. Any reports or rumors that the US government was involved in these events is simply false,” according to a Reuters report.

The accusations against the US surfaced after Sheikh Hasina, in a statement reportedly shared by her close associates, implied that Washington had a vested interest in controlling Bangladesh’s strategic Saint Martin Island in the Bay of Bengal. This claim was further discussed in a report by the Economic Times. However, Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to deny that his mother had made such a statement.

The situation in Bangladesh has been volatile following Hasina’s resignation, which came after a series of deadly protests that initially began as student demonstrations against government job quotas.

These protests quickly escalated, culminating in a national campaign demanding her removal from office. The unrest comes in the wake of Hasina’s controversial re-election in January, a victory that the opposition boycotted and which the US State Department criticized as neither free nor fair.

Following her departure, an interim government has been established, led by Nobel Peace laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who is tasked with overseeing the upcoming elections. The political transition marks the end of Hasina’s 15-year tenure, as she has reportedly sought refuge in New Delhi.

The ongoing developments in Bangladesh continue to draw international attention, particularly concerning the future governance of the country and the role of foreign powers in its internal affairs.