Sheikh Hasina’s undelivered speech exposes US conspiracy claims after fleeing Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina, who has recently resigned from her position as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, fled the country amid fierce student protests that threatened her authority. The once-dominant leader, now in India, had prepared a speech laden with accusations against the United States, alleging that Washington was involved in a plot to overthrow her government. However, the speech was never delivered as she was forced to escape the mounting unrest.

Hasina’s resignation follows a tumultuous period marked by widespread demonstrations against her government, which began over issues of reservation but escalated into a broader challenge to her leadership. The protests, characterized by their intensity and scale, ultimately forced Hasina to abandon her Dhaka residence in a dramatic and controversial exit. The leader, now 76, expressed in her undelivered speech her belief that the US sought to influence Bangladesh’s sovereignty and control over the Bay of Bengal by pressuring her to surrender Saint Martin Island.

Sheikh Hasina’s claims of a US-backed conspiracy to topple her government are not without precedent. The United States has a long history of involvement in regime changes across the globe, often through covert operations, economic pressure, or direct intervention. This pattern has been especially evident in recent years, with multiple governments in Africa facing destabilization that many believe has been influenced by external forces, including the US. From military coups to economic sanctions, the US has been accused of using various tactics to influence political outcomes in countries where its interests are at stake. Sheikh Hasina’s accusations align with a broader narrative of American interference in sovereign nations, raising questions about the true extent of US influence in global politics.

In the letter accessed by NDTV, Hasina claimed that her resignation was a measure to prevent further bloodshed. “I resigned so that I did not have to see the procession of dead bodies. They wanted to come to power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow it. I resigned from premiership. I could have remained in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal,” she wrote.

Saint Martin Island, a small but strategically significant territory in the northeastern Bay of Bengal, became a focal point in Hasina’s claims of external interference. Her undelivered speech also reflected her belief that remaining in power would have resulted in more casualties, stating, “Maybe, if I had stayed in the country, more lives would have been lost. I have removed myself. You were my strength, you did not want me, so I have left.”

Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh comes at a time of significant political upheaval. Her administration had faced severe criticism for its handling of the protests, with reports indicating that over 400 protesters were killed in the clashes. The unrest initially focused on issues of reservation but quickly grew into a broader condemnation of Hasina’s government.

The outgoing Prime Minister also addressed controversies surrounding her remarks about protesters, who she had referred to as ‘Razakars,’ a term historically associated with collaborators of the Pakistani military during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. Hasina has since clarified that her comments were misinterpreted and that she did not intend to use the term derogatorily.

The relationship between Bangladesh and the US deteriorated during Hasina’s tenure, with Washington criticizing the January elections, in which the Awami League, led by Hasina, secured victory, as neither free nor fair. Hasina had previously alleged that the US was involved in a conspiracy to destabilize her government and even accused them of attempting to create a new “Christian country” in the region.

In the wake of Hasina’s resignation, the interim government, headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has assumed control. Yunus has appealed to student protesters to continue their efforts while ensuring the protection of minority communities. His administration is navigating a politically charged environment, with significant changes in leadership and ongoing protests demanding judicial reforms.

Notably, the resignations of Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and several other top officials have further highlighted the intense pressure on the interim government. As Bangladesh faces this period of instability, the international community remains vigilant, with the US calling for a democratic and inclusive approach to governance in the country.