English
English
English
Bangladesh lashes out as ex-PM Sheikh Hasina delivers a fiery public speech in Delhi, just weeks before elections. Dhaka calls her a ‘mass murderer’ and warns India’s move could spark a diplomatic storm. What did Hasina say this time?
Bangladesh on Sunday expressed strong disapproval of Hasina's speech
Dhaka: Bangladesh on Sunday expressed strong disapproval after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered a public address in New Delhi. The Dhaka foreign ministry described India’s decision to allow the speech as “surprising” and “shocking,” calling it a clear affront to both the people and the government of Bangladesh.
Hasina, 78, has been in India since August 2024 following a student-led uprising that ended her 15-year rule. In November 2025, she was found guilty in absentia by a Dhaka court for incitement, issuing orders to kill, and failing to prevent atrocities, and was sentenced to death.
Bangladesh Minority Violence: Hindu man burnt to death; CCTV shows suspect near site
On Friday, Hasina made her first public speech since leaving office, addressing a packed press club in Delhi via audio. She urged Bangladeshi citizens to overthrow the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of failing to ensure free and fair elections ahead of the February 12 general polls.
Calling Yunus a “corrupt, power-hungry traitor,” Hasina said: “In this grave hour, the entire nation must rise united and galvanised by the spirit of our great Liberation War.” She urged citizens to defend the constitution, safeguard sovereignty, and restore democracy.
Despite her criticism of the interim government, Hasina also called for an end to violence and lawlessness, demanding protection for religious minorities, women, and vulnerable groups. She asked the United Nations to conduct a “new and truly impartial investigation” into the events following her ousting.
She claimed Bangladesh was “plunged into an age of terror” after Yunus and his allies orchestrated her removal, adding that democracy, human rights, and press freedom have suffered severely since August 2024.
Other Awami League leaders, including former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury and former foreign minister AK Abdul Momen, joined Hasina’s address, reiterating allegations against Yunus and warning that the upcoming elections would not be free or fair without their party’s participation.
The Dhaka foreign ministry warned that allowing Hasina to speak in India set “a dangerous precedent” and could seriously damage bilateral relations between the two countries.
