Sheikh Hasina Accuses Muhammad Yunus of Genocide and Minority Persecution in First Public Address

In her first public address since stepping down and fleeing Bangladesh in August, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has leveled serious allegations against interim government chief and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Hasina accused Yunus of orchestrating “genocide” and failing to protect religious minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.

Hasina, who sought refuge in India after being ousted from office due to large-scale protests led by student groups, shared her remarks in a virtual address to Awami League party supporters. The speech was part of a special event held in New York on Sunday to commemorate “Bijoy Dibos” or Victory Day, celebrated on December 16 to mark the defeat of Pakistani forces during Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation war.

“Hindus, Buddhists, Christians—no one has been spared,” Hasina stated. “Temples, churches, and Buddhist shrines have been destroyed. Even an Iskcon leader was arrested when Hindus protested.” She also alleged that Yunus and his supporters planned and executed attacks that killed police officers, Awami League leaders, and civilians.

Hasina further claimed there were assassination plots against her and her sister Sheikh Rehana, similar to the killing of their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975. Recalling the chaos leading to her departure from Dhaka, she said, “I instructed security forces not to open fire on protestors to avoid bloodshed, but it was only a matter of time before I was forced to leave.”

This marks Hasina’s first direct public statement since fleeing Bangladesh amidst violent protests led by student groups. While she has previously communicated through her son Sajeeb Wazed or Awami League’s social media accounts, this speech marks her return to the political arena.

Responding to Hasina’s remarks, Yunus’s spokesperson Shafiqul Alam called her a “mass murderer” and accused her of leading a regime responsible for disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of opposition voices. “We are shocked that she continues to make public statements despite her history of violence,” Alam said.

The political tensions have strained India-Bangladesh relations, with protests erupting in Indian states over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent monk. Bangladesh recently summoned the Indian envoy to protest an attack on its consulate in Agartala by demonstrators.

Amid these escalating tensions, Awami League leaders have announced Hasina will address another virtual event for party supporters in London on December 8.

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TN HEADLINES 24 INSIGHTS

Hasina’s claims of minority persecution and allegations of corruption against Yunus add to the already strained relations between India and Bangladesh, especially amid protests over attacks on Hindus and other religious communities.

With counter-allegations from Yunus’s camp branding Hasina as a dictator and mass murderer, the political climate in Bangladesh appears increasingly polarized. As Hasina prepares for another virtual address on December 8, the unfolding situation will likely continue to influence both domestic and international discourse, raising questions about the country’s stability and governance.

READERS’ INSIGHTS

Sheikh Hasina has made serious allegations against Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of orchestrating “genocide” and failing to protect religious minorities in Bangladesh. These accusations come amid growing political unrest and a history of tension between the two figures.

What do you think about Hasina’s claims? Do you believe the allegations of genocide and the reported persecution of minorities hold weight, or do you think they’re politically motivated?

Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below—we’d love to know your perspective on this ongoing political saga.

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