Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in self-imposed exile in India since August 2024, recently expressed her profound gratitude towards the Indian people for providing her with a safe haven following the collapse of her government. In a written interview with Hindustan Times, Hasina outlined the circumstances that led to her seeking refuge in India and criticized the interim government currently ruling Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. She accused Yunus’s administration of endorsing violent and extremist policies that pose a significant threat to Bangladesh’s political stability and its historically close relationship with India.
Hasina’s government fell in August 2024 amid weeks of widespread and often violent protests across Bangladesh. The unrest was triggered by allegations against her administration concerning corruption, abuse of power, and the suppression of opposition parties. These issues ignited massive demonstrations, primarily led by student groups and members of civil society, who demanded her resignation and called for the establishment of a neutral interim government to restore order and fairness in the country’s political system. The protests escalated into clashes between demonstrators and security forces, placing immense pressure on Hasina’s government.
Facing this turmoil, Hasina’s administration ultimately collapsed, and soon after, she fled Bangladesh for India. Reports from that period indicated that her residence in Dhaka was surrounded by hostile mobs, and security personnel loyal to the new government failed to protect her. In this precarious situation, India extended temporary refuge to Hasina, marking a significant turning point in her long political career. This gesture was met with appreciation from Hasina, who acknowledged India’s role in ensuring her safety during a period of great personal and political uncertainty.
From her position in India, Hasina has been vocal about the current state of Bangladesh’s political landscape. She has leveled sharp criticism against the interim government under Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of suppressing her political party, the Awami League. One of her central grievances is the decision to ban the Awami League from participating in the upcoming national elections. Hasina condemned this move as unconstitutional, arguing that it disenfranchises millions of her party’s supporters and undermines their democratic rights. She emphasized that this ban effectively prevents a large segment of the population from exercising their right to vote, casting serious doubts on the legitimacy of the electoral process under the interim government.
Beyond electoral politics, Hasina expressed deep concern about the broader implications of Yunus’s leadership. She warned that his administration’s alleged sponsorship of extremist elements could destabilize Bangladesh’s fragile political environment. More alarmingly, she suggested that such policies threaten to damage the longstanding and vital relationship between Bangladesh and India. Hasina framed this relationship as fundamental and cautioned that any erosion of trust or cooperation between the two neighbors could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability.
Hasina’s accusations against Yunus’s government highlight a tense and uncertain future for Bangladesh. The political crisis has not only disrupted domestic governance but also raised questions about Bangladesh’s international alignments and partnerships. Given Bangladesh’s strategic location and its historical ties with India, any deterioration in bilateral relations could impact economic cooperation, border security, and regional diplomacy.
The current situation must be understood against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s complex political history, where power struggles and allegations of corruption have frequently led to social unrest. Hasina herself has been a prominent figure in Bangladeshi politics for decades, and her departure from power represents a significant shift. Meanwhile, the interim government faces the daunting task of restoring order, conducting credible elections, and addressing the grievances that sparked the initial protests.
India’s role in providing asylum to Hasina underscores the geopolitical dimensions of the crisis. India and Bangladesh have shared a generally cooperative relationship, with India playing an influential role in regional security and development. By offering refuge to Hasina, India has sent a clear signal about its interests and stakes in Bangladesh’s political trajectory.
The ban on the Awami League is particularly contentious because it threatens to exclude a major political force from the democratic process. The Awami League, led by Hasina, has been one of the dominant parties in Bangladesh, and sidelining it could create a political vacuum or further inflame tensions. Hasina’s call for the protection of democratic rights reflects the deep divisions within Bangladesh’s political landscape and the challenges facing the country as it seeks stability.
Moreover, the allegations of extremist sponsorship under Yunus’s government raise concerns about the potential for increased violence and radicalization. If true, these claims could indicate a dangerous shift in