‘Deeply Grateful To Indian People’: Sheikh Hasina Thanks India For ‘Providing Safe Haven’ | India News
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the country’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Younis, of promoting “violent and extremist” policies that have strained relations with India. Speaking from India, where she has been living in exile since August 2024, Hasina said that Younis’s allegation that he “sponsored extremists” within his administration posed a serious threat to the long-standing friendship between Dhaka and New Delhi.
In a written interview sent to Hindustan Times on Thursday, Hasina said she was “deeply grateful to the Indian people for providing me a safe haven” following the ouster of her government last year.
Bangladesh Crisis Forces Hasina to Seek Refuge
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Hasina’s government collapsed in August 2024 after weeks of violent protests in Bangladesh. The unrest began following allegations of corruption, abuse of power and suppression of opposition parties. Mass demonstrations, led largely by student groups and segments of civil society, demanded his resignation and the formation of a neutral interim government. Faced with increasing pressure and violent clashes between protesters and security forces, Hasina’s administration was eventually forced out.
Hasina fled to India shortly after her government fell, citing threats to her security. Reports at the time suggested that his home in Dhaka was surrounded by gangs and that security forces loyal to the new administration were not protecting him. India granted him temporary asylum, marking a new phase in his decades-long political career.
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Accused Yunus Government of sponsoring extremists
In her latest comments to HT, Hasina accused the interim government of silencing her party, the Awami League, by banning it from participating in the upcoming national elections. He said the decision “violates the Constitution” and denies democratic rights to millions of Awami League supporters.
He said that Awami League supporters cannot vote due to the unconstitutional ban on the party, HT reported.
Hasina also warned that Younis’ leadership could destabilize Bangladesh’s political environment and harm the country’s relations with key regional partners. “Yunus’s sponsorship of extremists in his government threatens to undermine the fundamental relationship between Bangladesh and India,” he said.
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