New Delhi: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her first remarks after leaving Dhaka, called for the punishment of rioters in the country. She also demanded justice for the desecration of the statue of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Founding Father of Bangladesh.
In an emotional three-page statement shared on X by her son, Sheikh Hasina reflected on the tragic loss of her family members during the assassination of her father on August 15, 1975. On that fateful night, Mujibur Rahman’s sons, their wives, his brother’s family, and close associates were all killed in a military coup.
After paying tribute to her fallen relatives, Hasina turned her attention to the current situation in Bangladesh, condemning the “dance of destruction” that has gripped the country under the guise of protest. She lamented the numerous deaths resulting from the unrest, including students, teachers, police, journalists, social workers, ordinary citizens, Awami League members, pedestrians, and office workers.
“For those who have lost their loved ones like me, I extend my deepest sympathy. And for those involved in this slaughter, this destruction, I demand that investigations be held and they be caught and given appropriate punishment,” her statement read in a rough translation from Bengali.
She also expressed her grief over the targeting of her childhood home, now a museum that had been visited by many dignitaries. “That is now dust… And the memories we had — that have been reduced to ashes,” she added. Hasina called for justice from her fellow countrymen, stating that the disrespect shown to Mujibur Rahman had desecrated the blood shed by thousands of freedom fighters. She urged that August 15 be observed as a day of mourning, dedicated to paying respects and praying for the martyrs at “Bangabandhu Bhavan.”
Sheikh Hasina, who was only 28 when her father was assassinated, lived in exile from 1975 to the late 1980s. During her time abroad, she rose through the ranks to lead the party her father founded and eventually returned to Bangladesh to enter politics. In 1996, she led the Awami League to victory in the national elections, becoming the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The recent wave of student protests, which led to her ouster, began over government job quotas for the families of freedom fighters but escalated into calls for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. As violence intensified, the military intervened, and Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign after a 45-minute ultimatum.
She is currently in India, with her next destination yet to be announced. However, according to her son, the 76-year-old intends to return to Bangladesh whenever the elections are held.
