Bangladesh Outraged as Sheikh Hasina Makes First Public Address in Delhi, Calls Her ‘Mass Murderer’

Bangladesh expressed “shock” and “surprise” after India allowed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to deliver a public address in New Delhi on Friday, marking her first speech since stepping down in August 2024. Dhaka’s foreign ministry described the event as a “clear affront” to the people and government of Bangladesh, calling Hasina a “mass murderer.”

The 78-year-old Hasina has been in India since her rule ended following student-led protests that concluded her 15-year tenure. In November, she was found guilty in absentia by a Dhaka court for incitement and inaction during atrocities, and sentenced to death. Her speech in Delhi came less than three weeks ahead of Bangladesh’s general election scheduled for February 12.

In her address, Hasina urged the Bangladeshi people to overthrow the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of corruption and failing to ensure free and fair elections. She described Yunus as a “traitor” and called for a united national effort to restore the constitution, safeguard sovereignty, and revive democracy.

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Hasina also demanded protection for vulnerable groups, including religious minorities and women, and called on the United Nations to launch a “truly impartial investigation” into events following her government’s ouster. She alleged that Bangladesh had been “plunged into an age of terror” with human rights violations, press suppression, and lawlessness under Yunus’ interim administration.

Other Awami League leaders, including former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury and ex-foreign minister AK Abdul Momen, joined the address, highlighting alleged electoral irregularities and reiterating the party’s stance that free and fair polls would be impossible without their participation.

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry warned that allowing Hasina to speak in India sets a “dangerous precedent” and could “seriously impair bilateral relations.” The statement underscored concerns that the address could inflame political tensions ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections.

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