‘It was not a peaceful student movement’: Sheikh Hasina breaks silence on 2024 Bangladesh uprising

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the 2024 uprising that forced her to leave power was "not a peaceful student movement", alleging that organised groups used the protests as a cover for violence and turned the quota reform movement into a political campaign.

In her first media interaction since fleeing Dhaka on August 5, 2024, Hasina defended her government's response to the unrest and questioned criticism of law enforcement action during the protests.

Addressing a virtual press conference, Hasina said the state has a responsibility to protect lives and public property when violence breaks out.

"When government buildings are attacked, officers are killed and properties are looted, does the state have no duty to protect life and protect?" she asked.

She said protecting people and maintaining order was not a crime but a responsibility given to law enforcement agencies under the law.

Hasina questions narrative around protests

Hasina said her government initially attempted to address the student protests through dialogue, legal procedures and patience.

She recalled that her government had abolished the quota system in 2018 following student demands and said she had personally taken the initiative to invite students to the Prime Minister's residence for discussions.

However, she alleged that the movement later moved beyond quota reform demands and was used by organised groups for political purposes.

According to Hasina, the character of the protests changed from July 15, with incidents of looting and destruction of property taking place.

She also referred to remarks made by Muhammad Yunus, claiming they indicated that the movement had been carefully planned. Hasina alleged that no responsible leaders were guiding the movement and that instructions were being issued behind the scenes.

Defends judicial inquiry into casualties

Hasina said she wanted "the truth to be known" and pointed to the judicial inquiry commission announced on July 18 during her government's tenure.

She said every casualty needed to be examined and every affected family deserved to know the truth.

Hasina also said free medical treatment was provided to those affected and claimed that on August 1, she strengthened the authority of the inquiry commission to make the investigation more credible and comprehensive.

Targeting the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, Hasina questioned why the inquiry was stopped after her government fell.

"If they truly wanted justice, why did they stop the inquiry? If they had nothing to hide, why protect the killers?" she said.

She alleged that the decision showed the authorities were not seeking justice but were focused on holding power.

Emotional tribute to family members

At the beginning of her address, Hasina thanked journalists for covering developments in Bangladesh and paid tribute to her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founding leader.

She became emotional while remembering her family members who were killed during the August 15, 1975 military coup, including her parents and brothers.

The virtual press conference was held on August 5, the second anniversary of the uprising that ended Hasina's 15-year rule. The day is observed in Bangladesh as Mass Uprising Day.

This is a developing story. More updates will follow as Sheikh Hasina continues her address.