Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday launched another scathing attack on the country’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of heading an “undemocratic group” that has usurped power unconstitutionally and lacks responsibility towards the people.
In a statement issued on the eve of 'Bijoy Dibos' (Victory Day), Hasina alleged that the Yunus-led dispensation was suppressing the spirit of the Liberation War and silencing pro-liberation forces. She also accused the government of supporting “anti-Independence radical communal forces” and neglecting the welfare of the people.
“This undemocratic group led by the fascist Yunus has no responsibility towards the people,” she stated in her Bengali address. “They are taking power and obstructing all public welfare work,” she added.
Bangladesh marks 16 December as Victory Day to commemorate the surrender of Pakistan’s forces in 1971. General A. A. K. Niazi, along with 93,000 Pakistani troops, surrendered to the Indian Army and Mukti Bahini after a 13-day war, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
Hasina, who resigned as Prime Minister in August following widespread anti-government protests and has since been residing in India, criticised the interim government for causing economic hardships.
“The people of Bangladesh are burdened by the rise in prices,” she remarked.
She further alleged that the interim government’s lack of democratic accountability had exacerbated the crisis.
“As this government is not democratically elected, they have no accountability to the people. Their main aim is to suppress the spirit of the Liberation War and the pro-liberation forces and suppress their voice,” Hasina stated.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have been under strain since Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government. India has expressed concerns over attacks on minorities, particularly the Hindu community, in Bangladesh.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka recently and highlighted India’s apprehensions.
Speaking to mediapersons, Misri said, “I conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities. There is no reason why this mutually beneficial cooperation should not continue to deliver in the interest of both our peoples.”
The Awami League leader’s remarks reflect her continued opposition to the current regime, which she claims is undermining Bangladesh’s democratic ethos and the legacy of its Liberation War.
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