Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has strongly criticised the country’s Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of “selling the nation to the United States.” Hasina condemned the recent ban on her party, the Awami League, from participating in elections, calling the move “unconstitutional.”

In an audio message posted on the Awami League’s official Facebook page, Hasina accused Yunus of taking control of Bangladesh to support extremist groups. She pointed out that Yunus assumed the role of interim chief adviser after violent student protests led to the fall of her government, forcing her into exile.

Claims of terrorist support and government control

Hasina’s remarks come amid reports that Yunus threatened to resign following military pressure for a general election in Bangladesh, scheduled for December. In her message, she alleged that Yunus handed over power to “terrorists” whom her government had previously fought against.

She also revisited America’s alleged intentions to take control of St Martin’s Island, stating, “My father did not agree to America’s demands for St. Martin’s Island. He had to give his life for that. And that was my destiny as I never thought of selling the country to stay in power.”

Recalling Bangladesh’s fight for independence under her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina emphasised that no one should give away an inch of the country’s land. She questioned how someone so widely loved and respected could come to power with the support of banned militants.

“It is unfortunate that a person came to power with the help of terrorists, even those banned internationally, against whom my government protected the people of Bangladesh. After just one terrorist attack, we took strict measures. Many were arrested. Now the prisons are empty. They released everyone. Now Bangladesh is ruled by militants,” she said.

Yunus branded a ‘militant leader’

Hasina went on to label the interim chief adviser a ‘militant leader’ and criticised the transitional government for banning the Awami League, calling the action illegal and unconstitutional.

“We won our constitution through long struggle and liberation war. Who gave this militant leader, who has illegally seized power, the right to interfere with the constitution? He does not have the people’s mandate nor any constitutional basis. The position of Chief Adviser itself does not legally exist. How can he change the law without a parliament? This is illegal. They have banned the Awami League,” Hasina said.

Trial of Hasina-era officials begins

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has begun the first trial of officials from Hasina’s government at a special court in Dhaka. The court formally charged eight police officers with crimes related to the killing of six protesters on 5 August last year—the same day Hasina fled the country and protesters stormed her residence.

Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, told reporters, “The formal trial has begun. We believe this prosecution will prove the crimes committed by the accused.” Four officers are in custody, while four are being tried in absentia.