Washington: The United States has firmly denied any involvement in the resignation of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, addressing recent allegations that it played a role in her departure from office. Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India on August 5, following widespread protests and demands for her ouster.
The unrest in Bangladesh over recent weeks has resulted in over 450 casualties. In response to the turmoil, an interim government has been established with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus taking a leading role. This transitional government aims to stabilize the country and guide it towards normalcy.
On August 13, Vedant Patel of the US Department of State dismissed allegations of US involvement as “laughable” and “absolutely bogus”. Patel stated during a press briefing that the claims were entirely false and part of a broader spread of disinformation. He emphasized the US commitment to maintaining information integrity and countering misinformation in South Asia.
In her first statement since her ouster, Sheikh Hasina, through her son Sajeeb Wazed, demanded justice for those involved in the riots. She urged Bangladeshi nationals to observe National Mourning Day on August 15 “with due dignity and solemnity” and to pray for the salvation of all souls at Bangabandhu Bhaban. Her statement followed the interim government’s decision to cancel the public holiday for National Mourning Day.
Hasina also condemned the vandalization of the museum dedicated to Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, describing the act as a gross insult to the nation’s history and its martyrs.
The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, has been working to address the immediate needs of the country and to facilitate a smooth transition. The focus remains on stabilizing the political environment and addressing the concerns of the displaced and affected populations.
The US denial of involvement in Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and the subsequent responses from both Hasina and the interim government underscore the complex political dynamics currently at play in Bangladesh. While the situation remains tense, the focus for many is on restoring stability and addressing the needs of the people affected by the recent turmoil.