Sheikh Hasina Accuses Muhammad Yunus Of 'Handing Bangladesh To US', Backing Militants; Slams Awami League Ban As 'Unconstitutional'

Dhaka: In a dramatic audio message posted on her party’s official Facebook page on Sunday, May 25, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched a blistering attack on the country's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of "selling the nation to the United States" and empowering extremist forces.

Hasina, who was ousted amid mass protests last year, also condemned the banning of her party, the Awami League, labelling it an unconstitutional move made by a “militant-backed” regime.

Yunus Accused of 'Colluding With Extremists'

Hasina alleged that Yunus, who took over as Chief Advisor of the transitional government in August 2024, rose to power through support from banned militant groups. "He has seized power with the help of terrorists, even those who are banned in various international arenas,"

Hasina claimed in the audio address, as cited by Awami League’s social media page. She further claimed that under his watch, prisons had been emptied and militants were back in control. “Now Bangladesh is the reign of those militants," she said.

Hasina’s accusations come at a politically fragile moment. Reports suggest that Yunus is contemplating resignation amid pressure from the military, which is pushing for national elections by December. His brief tenure has already seen sweeping changes, including the controversial outlawing of Hasina's Awami League.

'Giving Up the Country Inch by Inch'

Drawing on her family’s legacy, Hasina invoked the memory of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “My father refused US demands over St Martin's Island. He paid with his life. I would never sell this country just to remain in power,” she said. The former Prime Minister warned against foreign influence, hinting that Yunus’s administration was surrendering Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

In a fiery rebuke, she said, “The constitution of our great Bengali nation, won through liberation war, has been trampled. This man has no mandate, no legal authority. How can he alter laws with no parliament?"

Published on: Monday, May 26, 2025, 09:54 AM IST