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Exiled in India, Sheikh Hasina warns Bangladesh faces extremist threats under Muhammad Yunus, accuses the interim government of banning her party and risking ties with India. Why is the region on edge?
Hasina Says Awami League Ban Violates Constitution
New Delhi: Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to India for providing her safe refuge following the collapse of her government in August 2024. Hasina, who has been living in self-exile in India since then, cited threats to her personal safety as the reason for fleeing her residence in Dhaka, which had reportedly been surrounded by mobs amid escalating unrest.
In an email interview with Hindustan Times, Hasina said, “I am deeply grateful to the Indian people for providing me with a safe haven,” emphasizing India’s role in ensuring her security during a politically volatile period.
Hasina leveled serious accusations against Bangladesh’s interim government, led by economist Muhammad Yunus, claiming that its policies are “violent and extremist.” She warned that Yunus’ leadership could destabilize Bangladesh’s political landscape and undermine relations with key regional partners, including India.
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“Yunus’ sponsorship of extremists in his government threatens to undermine the fundamental relationship between Bangladesh and India,” she stated, highlighting her concern over the long-term consequences of the interim administration’s approach.
The former prime minister also criticized the ban imposed on her political party, the Awami League, which prevents it from contesting the upcoming national elections. She described the move as unconstitutional, arguing that it denies millions of party supporters their democratic rights.
“The supporters of the Awami League will not be able to vote because of the unconstitutional ban imposed on the party,” Hasina said, calling the restrictions a direct violation of Bangladesh’s Constitution.
Hasina’s government fell in August 2024 after weeks of widespread protests across Bangladesh. The demonstrations, largely driven by students and civil society groups, were sparked by allegations of corruption, misuse of power, and suppression of opposition parties. Clashes between protesters and security forces turned violent, eventually forcing Hasina to step down.
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Following the government’s fall, Hasina fled to India amid security concerns. Reports at the time suggested that the situation around her residence in Dhaka was increasingly dangerous, prompting the Indian government to provide temporary refuge.
In her remarks, Hasina warned that the policies of the Yunus-led government could have far-reaching consequences for Bangladesh’s political stability and regional relations. She emphasized that continued extremist support within the interim administration could strain the historically close ties between Bangladesh and India, and possibly lead to further unrest domestically.
Hasina’s statements mark her first major comments since going into exile, signalling her intent to remain a vocal critic of the interim government and continue advocating for democratic rights for her party’s supporters.
