Sheikh Hasina claims US orchestrated her ouster over an island
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the United States of being involved in the downfall of her Awami League government. Hasina alleged that she was removed from power over her refusal to cede control of Saint Martin Island to the US, the Economic Times reported, citing the Bangladeshi PM's close associates. She claimed that this move would have allowed the US to gain control over the Bay of Bengal.
'Resigned to avoid death toll radicals sought through violence'
"I could have stayed in power by surrendering Saint Martin Island's sovereignty," Hasina was quoted as saying. Hasina fled the country last week, following weeks of violent protests against a government job quota scheme that later turned into a movement calling for her resignation. The protests had escalated following an appearance by Hasina on state broadcaster BTV, where she asked, "If the grandchildren of freedom fighters do not receive [quota] benefits, who would get it? The grandchildren of Razakars?"
Hasina denies calling students 'Razakars'
However, the ET report claimed that Hasina clarified she never referred to students as "Razakars." "Razakar" is a derogatory term in Bangladesh, referring to those who collaborated with the Pakistani military during the 1971 Liberation War. She said her words were twisted to incite unrest and urged students to review the full context of her remarks.
US, UK allegedly orchestrated social media campaign against Hasina
Earlier, a CNN-News18 report highlighted the alleged roles of the US and United Kingdom in events leading up to Hasina's resignation. The report cited sources claiming that figures such as David Burgan, activist Pinaki Bhattacharji, BNP's Tarique Rahman, and Netra News owners orchestrated a social media campaign against her and spread false narratives. It also claimed that Hasina criticized the US for allegedly seeking to establish a base in Bengal and create a Christian state similar to East Timor.
US officials urge sanctions on Bangladesh regime officials
The US government has welcomed the appointment of a new caretaker government headed by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus. Some lawmakers in the US Congress have even urged sanctions on Bangladeshi officials under Hasina. Human rights groups had accused the former PM of using excessive force against protesters, a charge she denied. Since her departure, student protests have grown to include calls for the removal of additional officials appointed during her tenure.
