Self-serving, unelected politicians seized levers of state, using court to remove political rival: B’desh ex-PM Sheikh Hasina
New Delhi – On 9 December, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told that a handful of unelected, self‑interested politicians have taken control of the state apparatus and are using the judiciary to oust a political rival. She also thanked PM Modi, saying, “grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi” and the people of India for their support during her crisis.
In the interview, Hasina blasted the interim government in Dhaka, calling the ICT verdict “biased and politically motivated,” and warned of foreign meddling, electoral reforms and the banning of her Awami League.
She described India as a “vital neighbour and partner,” expressing personal gratitude for the refuge given her. While she declined to discuss private talks, she remained thankful to the Indian public.
Hasina portrayed the ICT proceedings as a “kangaroo court” run by her opponents, noting she was denied proper legal representation and that the evidence was weak, calling the process a “judicial farce” aimed at a pre‑determined verdict.
On the interim government led by Mohammed Yunus, she said she had cautioned against foreign intervention exploiting domestic divisions, urging transparent investigations and insisting that Bangladesh resolve issues through sovereign institutions.
She warned that the current regime might manipulate the upcoming elections to ensure a party‑friendly outcome, demanding independent observers, clear timelines, and guarantees of non‑intimidation, and criticized the ban on the Awami League as undermining free and fair elections.
Explaining her party’s ban means it cannot contest next year’s polls, she views it not as a boycott but disenfranchisement, and predicts supporters staying home if elections proceed under such conditions.
Regarding religious and political persecution, she condemned any form of violence and called for fair investigations, stressing that blanket accusations should be replaced by impartial inquiry.
When asked about Khaleda Zia, she expressed grave concern for the former PM’s health and prayed for her recovery.
On her niece, UK lawmaker Tulip Siddiq’s absence‑in‑jury conviction, she criticized the legitimacy of the trial and accused Yunus of using it as a distraction to silence a party that had won nine elections, saying it damaged Bangladesh’s standing with the UK.
She described Bangladesh’s economy as fundamentally strong but suffering short‑term upheaval that harms growth and investor confidence, calling for rapid fiscal and structural reforms to rebuild momentum amid IMF warnings of slowing growth and rising inflation.
She cautioned against the unelected government forming close ties with Pakistan, insisting Bangladesh must protect its sovereignty while maintaining a balanced relationship.
Finally, she countered claims that the United States was involved in her ouster, noting that no solid evidence has emerged and that unfounded accusations distract from the real work of restoring stability.
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