Sheikh Hasina’s undelivered speech, which she was unable to present due to the escalating protests that led to her resignation, has surfaced and includes serious accusations against the United States. The speech, accessed by NDTV and shared by Hasina with her close associates, outlines her allegations and offers insights into her resignation and subsequent flight from Bangladesh.
Before her resignation and departure from her Dhaka residence, Sheikh Hasina had intended to address the nation, particularly the protesters whose agitation ultimately forced her to step down. The speech, which never saw the light of day, accuses the US of attempting to orchestrate a regime change in Bangladesh. According to the undelivered address, Hasina intended to reveal these allegations publicly, claiming that the US sought to exert influence over Bangladesh’s Bay of Bengal region and Saint Martin Island.
In her speech, Hasina expressed her sorrow over having to resign, stating, “I resigned so that I did not have to see the procession of dead bodies.” She emphasized that she did not want to see her country’s sovereignty compromised for personal political survival. Hasina also mentioned that she could have remained in power if she had allowed the US greater control over Bangladesh’s strategic regions. She appealed to the people of Bangladesh to not be manipulated by radicals and expressed regret over the violent outcome of the protests, which resulted in over 400 deaths.
The speech further touches on Hasina’s personal reflections, stating, “Maybe, if I had stayed in the country, more lives would have been lost. I have removed myself. You were my strength, you did not want me, so I have left.” She reassured her party members, the Awami League, that the party would bounce back and that she would return to Bangladesh in due course.
During the protests, Hasina faced criticism for remarks perceived as disparaging towards the students. She had referred to the protesters as the “grandchildren of the Razakars,” a term used for collaborators with the Pakistani army during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. This statement intensified the protests. In her undelivered speech, Hasina clarified that she had never intended to insult the protesters and claimed that her words were distorted.
Relations between Bangladesh and the US had deteriorated significantly during Hasina’s term. The US criticized the January elections in which the Awami League retained power, alleging they were neither free nor fair. Hasina had previously alleged that there were conspiracies involving the US to topple her government and even speculated about the establishment of a new “Christian country” in the region.
Following Hasina’s resignation, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has assumed control. Yunus has urged students leading the protests to ensure the protection of minority communities in Bangladesh amidst reports of targeted violence.
The US has since reiterated its commitment to supporting democratic rights in Bangladesh. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the violence against protesters and called for the protection of peaceful protest rights.
Sources By Agencies