Despite being ousted from power in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina referred to herself as the “Prime Minister of Bangladesh” in a congratulatory message to Donald Trump, who was recently elected as the 47th President of the United States.
In a letter shared by the Awami League on social media, Hasina praised Trump’s “extraordinary leadership qualities” and expressed optimism that “bilateral ties between the friendly countries of Bangladesh and the United States of America” would be strengthened.
The letter, signed by the Awami League’s office secretary, mentioned Hasina’s “commitment to working together again to advance the bilateral and multilateral interests of both countries.”
The letter states: “The President of the Bangladesh Awami League, (Prime Minister) Sheikh Hasina, has congratulated Donald J. Trump on his election as the 47th President of the United States of America… Sheikh Hasina recalled with fondness her several meetings and interactions as Prime Minister with Donald J. Trump and Melania Trump.”
Hasina’s reference to herself as “Prime Minister” comes months after her ouster in August, amid significant protests spurred by a student movement challenging the quota system for families of 1971 Liberation War veterans. Bangladesh’s High Court reinstated the veteran quota earlier this year, sparking a summer of discontent that culminated in massive protests against Hasina’s government.
Following Hasina’s removal, Bangladesh’s Army Chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced the formation of an interim government.
Nobel Laureate and economist Muhammad Yunus was appointed as chief adviser.
Currently, Hasina is reportedly residing in a secure residence in New Delhi’s Lutyens Bungalow Zone, facilitated by the Government of India..
In a parallel statement, Yunus extended his congratulations to Trump, expressing a commitment to deepen “the long-standing friendship and collaboration” between Bangladesh and the United States.
Yunus expressed hope for “exploring newer avenues of partnership” and building on the foundations laid during Trump’s previous tenure.
Notably, in recent months, Hasina has accused the United States, under President Joe Biden’s administration, of involvement in her ousting—an allegation denied by both Washington and Hasina’s own son.
Meanwhile, Yunus met Biden at the United Nations Summit of the Future, where Biden congratulated him on his new role as “head of the interim government” of Bangladesh.
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