New Delhi:
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Details Narrow Escape and Accuses Opponents of Conspiracy
In a poignant and emotional audio note, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has recounted her harrowing escape from death and accused her political opponents of conspiring to kill her. Hasina, who fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, following a violent student-led uprising that toppled her government, is currently residing in India, where her visa has been extended despite an extradition request from the Bangladeshi interim government.
Hasina, 77, and her sister Rehana narrowly escaped death by just 20-25 minutes as a mob stormed her palace in Dhaka. In the audio note shared by her Awami League party, Hasina emotionally described how she and her sister managed to flee, praising Allah for their survival. She also referenced previous attempts on her life, including a 2004 grenade attack that left her injured and a 2000 bomb conspiracy aimed at her.
The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has made it a priority to extradite Hasina to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity and corruption. Bangladesh has formally requested India to facilitate her return through a diplomatic note, citing an existing extradition treaty between the two countries. Despite this, India has extended Hasina’s visa, although the Indian foreign ministry has confirmed receiving the extradition request without commenting further.
The situation has strained relations between India and Bangladesh, with issues such as attacks on Hindu minorities and border violence exacerbating the tension. The student-led uprising that ousted Hasina resulted in the deaths of over 700 people and led to the formation of a transitional government. This interim government is focused on reforming democratic institutions and ensuring free and fair elections in the future, with Hasina’s extradition being a key part of this effort.
Hasina’s stay in India has been a point of contention, with the Bangladeshi government expressing displeasure over her public statements criticizing the interim administration. The interim government has urged India to keep Hasina silent, arguing that her comments create tensions. As the standoff continues, the international community is watching closely, with the Bangladeshi government mobilizing global pressure to ensure Hasina faces trial for the alleged crimes.
