Sheikh Hasina’s Undelivered Speech Had BIG Charge Against US

Delhi/Hyderabad, Aug 11 (Maxim News): Before resigning as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister and fleeing her Dhaka residence, Sheikh Hasina prepared to address the nation, particularly the protesters whose agitation forced her to step down.

However, that speech was never delivered, as protesters reached her doorstep, and the country’s top security officials advised her to leave immediately.

Allegations Against the US

Now in India, the 76-year-old leader has shared details of the undelivered speech with close associates, which has been accessed by a leading Indian TV channel. In the speech, Sheikh Hasina accused the United States of orchestrating a regime change in Bangladesh—a charge she intended to make public had she been able to address the nation.

“I resigned to prevent a bloodbath. They wanted to seize power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow it. I stepped down from the premiership. I could have stayed in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to dominate the Bay of Bengal. I urge the people of my land not to be swayed by radicals,” the speech reads.

Saint Martin Island, covering just 3 square kilometers, is located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal and is the southernmost part of Bangladesh.

Sheikh Hasina’s Message to the People

“Perhaps, if I had stayed in the country, more lives would have been lost. I have removed myself. You were my strength; you no longer wanted me, so I have left,” the speech continues.

In her message to party members, Sheikh Hasina urged them not to lose hope, stating that the Awami League has always rebounded. “Don’t despair. I will return soon. I may have lost, but the people of Bangladesh—the people for whom my father and family died—have won,” the speech adds.

Resignation Amid Violent Protests

Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from Bangladesh occurred amid violent student protests that began as an agitation against reservation policies and escalated into a confrontation with her government. Over 400 protesters were killed as she attempted to suppress the unrest.

“If I had remained in the country, more lives would have been lost, more resources would have been destroyed. I made the extremely difficult decision to leave. I became your leader because you chose me; you were my strength,” her undelivered speech reiterates.

Clarification on Razakar Remarks

She expressed deep sorrow over the targeting of Awami League leaders and promised to return soon. “The Awami League has always risen again. I will forever pray for the future of Bangladesh.”

She also clarified that she never referred to the protesting students as “Razakars,” a term that had sparked a massive backlash and intensified the protests. “I never called you Razakars. My words were twisted to provoke you. I urge you to watch the full video,” she said in her undelivered address.

Strained US-Bangladesh Relations

Relations between the US and Bangladesh deteriorated significantly during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, with Washington DC declaring that the January elections, in which the Awami League returned to power, were neither free nor fair.

Months before her resignation, Sheikh Hasina had claimed that “conspiracies” were being plotted to topple her government, including an alleged “white man’s” plan to create a new “Christian country” out of Bangladesh and Myanmar. “If I had allowed a certain country to build an airbase in Bangladesh, I would have had no problem,” she stated in May.

US Response to Resignation

Following her resignation and escape, the US emphasized the importance of respecting democratic rights in Bangladesh and urged that the interim government formation be democratic and inclusive. Washington DC also reiterated the value of its relationship with the people of Bangladesh.

Earlier, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the violence against protesters. “We condemn any violence against peaceful protesters. We have been closely monitoring the situation, both from our embassy and officials here in Washington. We have seen reports of deaths during the protests and call on the government to uphold individuals’ rights to protest peacefully,” he said.

Interim Government Takes Charge

In the aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s departure, an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner and Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus has taken charge. Amid reports of attacks on minorities, Yunus has called on student protesters to ensure their efforts are not sabotaged.

“There are those waiting to undermine your efforts. Don’t fail this time,” Yunus urged, emphasizing the protection of Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families from harm. “Aren’t they the people of this country? You have saved the country; can’t you save some families?… You must declare—no one can harm them. They are my brothers; we fought together, and we will remain together,” he said.

Resignations Amid Protests

In a significant development, Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and five other top judges were forced to resign on Saturday amid massive student protests demanding a judicial overhaul.

Several other top officials, including Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Maksud Kamal, have also resigned in the wake of the protests. (Maxim News)

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