Sheikh Hasina Accuses Yunus of ‘Selling Bangladesh to US’
In a strongly worded audio message posted on her party’s official Facebook page, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched a scathing attack on interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of compromising the nation’s sovereignty. The explosive statement has added fresh fire to Bangladesh’s already volatile political landscape, just months after Hasina’s ouster from office.
Sheikh Hasina’s Explosive Allegations
Sheikh Hasina alleged that Muhammad Yunus had come to power “with the support of militants” and is now “selling the country to the United States.” Drawing parallels with her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina said, “My father did not agree to America’s demands for St. Martin’s Island. He had to give his life for that. And that was my destiny as I never thought of selling the country to stay in power.”
She also criticized the interim government’s recent move to ban her party, the Awami League, calling it unconstitutional and politically motivated. The ban, imposed on grounds of national security and alleged incitement during past protests, has become a major flashpoint.
Muhammad Yunus and the Interim Government
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the transitional head of Bangladesh’s interim government on August 7, 2024, following months of public unrest and violent demonstrations that forced Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country.
The interim administration, led by Yunus, was tasked with stabilizing the nation and preparing for free and fair elections. However, it has come under fire for its crackdown on political parties, particularly the Awami League, and the perceived alignment of its foreign policy with Western interests—particularly those of the United States.
Army Pressure and Democratic Transition
Adding to the political tension is the role of the Bangladesh military. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has reportedly demanded that national elections be held by December 2025. His statements have been interpreted as subtle pressure on the interim regime to hand power back to an elected civilian government.
The general has warned that long-term decisions affecting Bangladesh’s territorial or foreign policy interests should be taken only by an elected administration. This includes sensitive issues like the proposed Rakhine Corridor and deepening strategic partnerships with Western allies.
Political Uncertainty Ahead
Hasina’s accusations come at a critical time, as the interim government navigates calls for democratic elections, mounting internal dissent, and growing international scrutiny. The political future of Bangladesh remains uncertain, with one side accusing the other of betrayal and foreign subservience, while the other defends its mandate to restore stability.
Whether these tensions will culminate in a peaceful election or further unrest remains to be seen, but the battle lines in Bangladesh’s political war have never been more sharply drawn.
