On the second anniversary of her expulsion from Bangladesh, former Prime Minister and President of the Bangladesh Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, delivered a powerful and emotional address. Reflecting on the events that led to her departure, Hasina asserted that the demonstrations witnessed two years ago weren't genuine student protests, while instead, she characterized them as highly organized political maneuvers designed to create chaos. According to her observations, the character of the protests underwent a radical transformation starting from July 15, shifting from peaceful demands to organized violence, including widespread killings and the destruction of public property.
The Transformation of the Movement
Sheikh Hasina emphasized that while the movement initially appeared to be led by students, it was quickly hijacked by organized groups. She stated that for the past two years, she has watched her beloved Bangladesh endure immense hardships, while she remarked that the current state of the country doesn't reflect the vision for which 30 lakh people sacrificed their lives during the 1971 Liberation War. Becoming visibly emotional, Hasina said she was speaking as someone who has dedicated her entire life to the people of Bangladesh. Despite being forced into exile, she maintained that she has never truly been separated from her people.
A Political Conspiracy Disguised as Reform
Addressing the events of July and August 2024, Hasina clarified that her government had initially attempted to resolve the issues through dialogue, legal processes, and patience. However, she alleged that under the guise of seeking reforms, certain organized groups were intent on turning student demands into violent political weapons, while she lamented that the Bangladesh of today isn't the one built on the sacrifices of the 1971 movement, expressing deep sorrow over the current trajectory of the nation.
Voices from the Awami League in Exile
Prior to Hasina's speech, other leaders of the Awami League living in exile also voiced their concerns. Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel, a former minister in Hasina's cabinet, launched a verbal attack on Muhammad Yunus, the former advisor to the Bangladesh government. Nowfel clarified that the party doesn't seek revenge but is demanding justice. He appealed to the international community not to support religious fundamentalism in Bangladesh, warning that the party doesn't want the country to become a failed state. On top of that, Advocate Shah Mohammad Bakhtiar criticized the previous administration of Muhammad Yunus and condemned what he termed as 'fake' trials against Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh.
Security Threats and Economic Decline
Former diplomat and intelligence officer Aminul Haque Polash highlighted a concerning rise in extremism following the fall of the Hasina government, while he noted that since August 2024, there has been a significant increase in terrorism and Islamic extremism within Bangladesh. Polash warned that this trend poses a severe security threat not only to Bangladesh but to the entire South Asian region. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi writer and political analyst Abu Obaida Arin attributed Hasina's exile to a deep-rooted political conspiracy. Arin pointed out that the ranking of the Bangladeshi passport has declined and approximately 2 lakh students are currently stranded in the country, unable to travel.
The Legacy and the Future
Abu Obaida Arin further claimed that Sheikh Hasina had transformed Bangladesh from a country of 'electric poles without wires' into one of the world's fastest-growing economies. He also leveled allegations against the previous BNP government, stating that a 10 percent commission was mandatory to secure contracts during their tenure. Despite the current challenges, Arin expressed hope, stating that the youth are rising again and will unite upon Hasina's return. He questioned how many voices could be silenced or how many people could be executed when the nation consists of 17 crore people. Former Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury concluded by stating that Hasina's decision to return is motivated by a desire to stop the cycle of violence against women, minorities, and journalists, rather than a quest for vengeance.