⁨Sheikh Hasina Presents Five-Point Plan to Restore Stability in Bangladesh

For the first time since the political upheaval, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has addressed the public. She delivered her speech via an audio message at an event titled “Save Democracy in Bangladesh”, organized at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) in New Delhi, India.

Sheikh Hasina accused the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, of leading an “illegal and violent” administration. In her speech, she repeatedly referred to Dr. Yunus as an “usurper,” a “money launderer,” and a “power-hungry traitor.” She stated, “Bangladesh today stands on the brink of destruction.”

She alleged that the country has effectively turned into “a vast prison, a killing field, and a valley of death.” According to her, human rights are being trampled, press freedom has been eliminated, and violence against women and religious minorities has spread across the country.

Describing the mass uprising of August 5 as a “carefully orchestrated conspiracy,” Sheikh Hasina said that democracy in Bangladesh has been exiled since that day. In her view, there is currently no rule of law in the country, and mob violence, looting, and extortion have taken the nation hostage—from the capital to rural areas. She blamed extremist groups and foreign interests for this situation.

Sheikh Hasina further claimed that Dr. Yunus is handing over national assets and strategic interests to foreign powers, pushing Bangladesh toward a broader regional conflict. She said, “By deceiving the nation, the murderous fascist Yunus is leading our beloved motherland toward catastrophe.”

To restore stability in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina put forward five key demands in her speech:
1. Removal of the “illegal Yunus administration” to ensure an environment for free and fair elections.
2. An end to daily violence and the restoration of public security.
3. Firm guarantees for the protection of religious minorities, women, and vulnerable communities.
4. An end to politically motivated cases against journalists and leaders and activists of the Awami League, and the restoration of judicial neutrality.
5. The United Nations must conduct a “new and impartial investigation” into the events of the past year.

In conclusion, she declared the Awami League to be the “only legitimate guardian” of democracy in Bangladesh and called on the pro–Liberation War forces to unite in order to restore the Constitution.

At one point in her speech, Bangabandhu’s daughter Sheikh Hasina also challenged Yunus to contest an election against her from any constituency of his choice.⁩