Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Alleges 2024 Protests Were Organised

In her first media address since fleeing to India, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina claimed the July-August 2024 unrest was an organized campaign for regime change rather than a peaceful student protest.

Key points

• Hasina addressed a virtual press conference organized by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi, announcing her intention to return to Bangladesh by the end of the year.
• She alleged that the interim administration led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and the subsequent government under the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) presided over widespread political persecution and economic distress.
• The Indian Ministry of External Affairs distanced itself from the press event, clarifying that New Delhi does not endorse statements made at the forum while maintaining policies against political activity targeting sovereign nations.
• Hasina claimed that thousands of Awami League members and minority community members have been targeted, arrested, or faced criminal charges following her ouster.

Why it matters

The remarks by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mark a significant political intervention from exile, potentially impacting fragile bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh as well as domestic political stability.