In her first public statement since leaving the country, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the United States of orchestrating her ouster from power, hinting at a deep-seated conspiracy that has left the nation reeling.
The crux of Sheikh Hasina’s claims centers around St. Martin Island, a small coral island in the northeastern Bay of Bengal. According to Ms Hasina, she could have remained in power if she had surrendered the sovereignty of St. Martin Island to the United States. She further alleged that the US aimed to assert control over the Bay of Bengal, a strategic waterway with immense geopolitical importance.
Sheikh Hasina’s comments come amid widespread unrest in Bangladesh, which has seen violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The protests, initially sparked by demands for reforms in the country’s quota system, quickly escalated into a broader movement calling for the resignation of Sheikh Hasina and her government.
The former prime minister’s departure from Bangladesh to India on August 5th marked a turning point in the country’s political crisis. Since then, the nation has been plunged into uncertainty, with the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus struggling to maintain order amidst ongoing protests and violence.
Amid the turmoil, Sheikh Hasina’s accusations have added fuel to the fire, raising questions about the role of external powers in the country’s internal affairs. The United States has yet to respond to the allegations, leaving many to speculate about the potential ramifications of such a revelation.