New Delhi: In her first comments since departing Dhaka, ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has demanded punishment for those responsible for the recent rioting in Bangladesh. Her statement, released by her son Sajeeb Wazed on X, also calls for justice regarding the vandalism of her father’s statue. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina's father, was the Founding Father of Bangladesh and was assassinated on August 15, 1975.
In a poignant three-page statement, Hasina reflected on the tragic events of August 15, 1975, when her father was killed. That night, members of her family, including Mujibur Rahman's sons and their families, as well as close associates, were murdered by the army during a coup.
Turning to the present situation, Hasina condemned the ongoing violence in Bangladesh, noting the casualties among students, teachers, police officers, journalists, social workers, and ordinary citizens, including members and supporters of her party, the Awami League.
She expressed deep sympathy for those who have lost loved ones due to the recent unrest. "For those who have lost their loved ones like me, I extend my deepest sympathy. And for those involved in this slaughter and destruction, I demand that investigations be conducted, and those responsible be caught and appropriately punished," Hasina said in her statement.
'Memories we had are reduced to ashes'
The unrest has not only targeted her but also her childhood home, which has been transformed into a museum visited by international dignitaries. "That is now dust... And the memories we had — reduced to ashes with the disrespect shown to Mujibur Rahman, under whose leadership we achieved our freedom, recognition, and self-respect. The blood shed by thousands of freedom fighters has been desecrated. I demand justice from my fellow countrymen," she added.
Hasina also proposed that August 15 be observed as a day of mourning, with respect and prayers offered at the "Bangabandhu Bhavan."
At 28 years old, Sheikh Hasina was in exile when her father was assassinated. During her years abroad, she rose to lead the Awami League, the party her father founded, and entered Bangladeshi politics. In 1996, she led the Awami League to victory in the national elections, becoming Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister.
The current wave of student protests, which initially began over job quotas for freedom fighters' families, eventually escalated into calls for Hasina’s resignation. The violence reached a tipping point, prompting the army to intervene and Hasina to resign under a 45-minute ultimatum.
She is currently in India, with her next steps yet to be announced. However, her son has indicated that the 76-year-old former Prime Minister intends to return to Bangladesh once elections are held.
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