New Delhi: Sheikh Hasina, speaking out for the first time since being ousted as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has demanded appropriate punishment for those involved in the murders and violent incidents during the July protests.
Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, shared Hasina’s statement on social media, where she described the July incidents as acts of terrorism. The statement was made in the context of the anniversary of the assassination of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on August 15. Hasina also urged the people of Bangladesh to observe National Mourning Day on August 15 as usual.
“Many lives were lost and many were victims of violence in the name of protest in July. Students, teachers, police officers, Awami League activists, journalists, employees, cultural workers, and pedestrians all fell victim to terrorist attacks. I pray for their souls,” Hasina said in her statement. She also called for a thorough investigation and appropriate punishment for those behind these attacks.
In her statement, Sheikh Hasina said, “On August 15, 1975, the President of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was brutally murdered. Along with him, my mother, Begum Fazilatunnesa, my brothers and freedom fighters Sheikh Kamal and Sheikh Jamal, Kamal’s wife Sultana Kamal, Jamal’s wife Rosy Jamal, my younger brother Sheikh Russell, who was just 10 years old, and my only uncle Sheikh Naser were also brutally killed.”
“The Bangabandhu Bhavan, carrying the memories of those brutal murders, has been dedicated by us two sisters to the people of Bengal. A museum was built in memory. From ordinary people in the country to dignitaries from various regions have visited that house. The museum was a memorial to our freedom. Today, that memorial has been reduced to ashes.”
“Bangladesh had earned the title of a developing nation in the world. Today, that title is fading. The father of our nation, under whose leadership we gained our pride as an independent nation, has been grossly insulted. This insult extends to the blood of millions of martyrs. I demand justice from the people of Bangladesh. On August 15, you must observe National Mourning Day. Offer flowers at Bangabandhu Bhavan and pray for the martyrs,” said Sheikh Hasina in her statement.”
Sheikh Hasina’s social media statement came shortly after the interim government implemented the decision to revoke the public holiday on August 15, the day Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has charged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has sought refuge in India, with murder. The charges stem from the shooting death of Abu Said, a grocery store owner, during an anti-government protest in Bangladesh. The Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court has granted permission to press charges against Hasina.
In addition to Sheikh Hasina, six others, including Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, are accused in the case. The charges were brought to the court by Amir Hamsa Shuttel, an acquaintance of Abu Said. This is the first case brought against Hasina after she left Bangladesh.
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