Ex-Bangladesh minister blames CIA for Hasina's ouster in new book
What's the story
Bangladesh's former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has made explosive allegations in a new book, claiming that the United States's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was behind the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The book, Inshallah Bangladesh: The Story of an Unfinished Revolution, alleges that Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman acted as a CIA agent. Kamal accuses the US of wanting to destabilize South Asia by removing powerful leaders like Hasina, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Claim
2 reasons behind ouster
In the yet-to-be-published book, Kamal said, "It was a perfect CIA plot hatched over a long period of time to overthrow Hasina." "Two reasons. The first is not to have too many powerful heads of state in South Asia. Modi, Xi, Hasina. How would the CIA operate if such strong leaders rule the subcontinent? American interests are best served with weaker governments," Kamal said.
Accusations detailed
Kamal accuses Bangladesh intelligence agencies of negligence
Kamal alleges that Bangladesh's intelligence agencies failed to warn Hasina about Waker's alleged betrayal. He believes the CIA orchestrated this plot over a long period of time to overthrow her government. The book also features Hasina blaming "impostors" and "terror apologists" for her government's fall. She has vowed to return and deliver justice, accusing interim leader Muhammad Yunus of supporting US regime change efforts in Bangladesh.
Geopolitical significance
Concerns over US intentions in the Bay of Bengal
The book also raises concerns over St. Martin's Island, which Hasina claims the US wanted control of. The island is strategically important in the Bay of Bengal amid China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean. Kamal alleges that Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, coordinated attacks with Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh before Hasina's ouster. He claims he warned Hasina about ISI involvement but was assured by Waker that he could manage the situation.
Unheeded caution
Kamal recalls assurances given to Hasina by Waker
Kamal said, "Waker told me...that the people had lost faith in the police because of the violence on the streets and that it would be best to let the army stop agitators at entry points." On the eve of Hasina's ouster, Waker assured both Kamal and the former PM that the army would protect her residence. The next day, however, thousands of protesters looted and vandalized Hasina's official residence in Dhaka. She was forced to resign and flee the country.