Sheikh Hasina Accuses U.S. Of Plotting Her Ouster Over Strategic Island Dispute

In a recent statement, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made serious allegations against the United States, claiming that the U.S. played a pivotal role in orchestrating her removal from power. According to reports from the Economic Times, Hasina stated that a significant conspiracy was hatched to dethrone her, citing her refusal to cede St. Martin Island as the main reason behind the plot. The island, strategically located, could have granted the U.S. increased influence over the Bay of Bengal, a move Hasina staunchly opposed.

Reflecting on her decision to step down, Hasina revealed that she resigned to prevent further bloodshed and violence in the country. “I resigned so that I did not have to see the procession of dead bodies. They wanted to come to power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow it. I resigned from premiership,” Hasina said. She added that she could have retained her position if she had surrendered the sovereignty of St. Martin Island, allowing the U.S. to establish control over the Bay of Bengal. However, her commitment to protecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty led her to make the difficult decision to exit office. Hasina urged the people of Bangladesh not to be swayed by radical elements and to recognize the underlying motives behind the unrest.

Hasina also expressed deep concern over the recent violence and killings targeting her party leaders and workers. With a heavy heart, she lamented the news of leaders being killed, workers being harassed, and their homes being subjected to vandalism and arson. Despite these challenges, she expressed hope for the future, stating, “With the grace of almighty Allah, I will return soon. Awami League has stood up again and again. I shall forever pray for the future of Bangladesh, the nation which my great father strived for. The country for which my father and family gave their lives.”

Addressing the student protestors involved in the anti-quota movement, Hasina clarified that her statements had been distorted to incite them. She firmly denied ever calling the students “Razakars,” a derogatory term historically associated with collaborators during Bangladesh’s liberation war. “I would like to repeat to the young students of Bangladesh: I have never called you Razakars. Rather, my words were distorted to incite you,” Hasina emphasized. She urged the students to review the full video of her speech, highlighting that conspirators had exploited their innocence to destabilize the nation.

Hasina’s statements underscore the complex political dynamics at play in Bangladesh and the challenges she faced during her tenure. Her allegations of external interference, coupled with her appeal to the nation’s youth and her concern for her party’s future, reflect the gravity of the situation and the enduring legacy of her leadership.