Sheikh Hasina criticised the Yunus government for placing “extremists” in power, claiming it has led to increased violence and lawlessness.
Photo : PTI
As Bangladesh plunges into unrest following the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Osman Hadi, triggering fresh protests across the country, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has blamed the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. Accusing it of empowering extremist elements, failing to protect religious minorities, and pushing Bangladesh into instability, Hasina said the downturn was so severe that even India “sees the chaos”, a development she warned could threaten broader South Asian stability.
In an email interview with ANI, she discussed the death of Osman Hadi, saying, “This tragic killing reflects the lawlessness that uprooted my government and has multiplied under Yunus. Violence has become the norm while the interim government either denies it or is powerless to stop it.”
The former Bangladesh PM alleged that the Yunus government has placed people with links to extremist ideologies in power.
“I share this concern, as do the millions of Bangladeshis who are prefer the safe, secular state we once were. Yunus has placed extremists in cabinet positions, released convicted terrorists from prison, and allowed groups linked to international terrorist organisations to take roles in public life. He is not a politician and has no experience governing a complex nation. My fear is that radicals are using him to project an acceptable face to the international community while they systematically radicalise our institutions from within,” she said.
“This should alarm not only India, but every nation invested in South Asian stability. The secular character of Bangladeshi politics was one of our greatest strengths, and we cannot allow it to be sacrificed at the whim of a few idiotic extremists,” she added.
‘India has been Bangladesh’s most steadfast friend for decades’: Hasina
Sheikh Hasina also said that Yunus’ ideologies and support for people with extremist links were a key reason for the recently strained relations with India. The Indian government has voiced concerns at the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh after it was reported that a Hindu Man had been lynched during the spiral of violence last week.
“The strain you are witnessing is entirely of Yunus’s making. His government issues hostile statements against India, fails to protect religious minorities, and allows extremists to dictate foreign policy, then expresses surprise when tensions rise. India has been Bangladesh’s most steadfast friend and partner for decades. The ties between our nations are deep and fundamental; they will outlast any temporary government. I am confident that once legitimate governance is restored, Bangladesh will return to the sensible partnership we cultivated over fifteen years,” Sheikh Hasina told ANI.