Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Sheikh Hasina Claims Ouster Was Unelected Seizure of Power, Not Resignation
Imagine Bangladesh had a leader named Sheikh Hasina, who was like a president for a long time.
In August 2024, something happened, and she left the country.
She says she didn't quit, but was forced to leave because she was scared for her life.
She calls this an unfair takeover by people who weren't elected.
A new leader, Muhammad Yunus, is in charge now, but Hasina says he and his team are delaying elections and are not protecting everyone, especially religious minorities like Hindus.
She also believes that this new government is changing the country's history to forget the important lessons from when Bangladesh first became a country.
Hasina wants to come back and lead her party again, but only if things are fair and everyone is allowed to vote.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina states she was forced to leave Bangladesh in August 2024 due to threats, calling it an 'unelected seizure of power' rather than a resignation.
Hasina denies ordering excessive force during 2024 protests and questions the reported death toll, criticizing the interim government for not releasing official records.
She accuses the current interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, of delaying elections and creating a system that excludes the Awami League from participating.
Hasina warns of systematic attacks on Hindu minorities and other minorities, asserting the interim government is complicit in their persecution.
She believes India should not legitimize future elections if the Awami League is banned and expresses concern over Bangladesh's deepening ties with China under the current administration.
- Who
- Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
- What
- Sheikh Hasina claims she was forced out of office in August 2024 due to threats, labeling it an 'unelected seizure of power' rather than a resignation. She also criticizes the interim government's handling of protests, delayed elections, alleged persecution of minorities, and shifting foreign policy.
- When
- August 2024 (events leading to Hasina's departure), 15 months post-ouster, and future elections expected early 2026.
- Where
- Bangladesh, with Sheikh Hasina currently in exile in Delhi, India.
- Why
- Hasina claims her departure was for safety and to prevent bloodshed. She accuses the interim government of being unelected, complicit in violence and persecution, and undermining democratic principles and founding history.
Sheikh Hasina
Interim Government (led by Muhammad Yunus)
Circumstances of Departure from Power
Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Hasina states she did not resign but was effectively forced out due to credible threats to her life, calling it an 'unelected seizure of power' and a 'coup' rather than a popular uprising. She claims leaving was a temporary measure for survival and to prevent further bloodshed.
Interim Government (led by Muhammad Yunus)
The interim government, by delaying elections and banning the Awami League, implies Hasina's departure was a consequence of widespread protest and a desire for democratic reform, questioning why Yunus would refuse to test his mandate through elections if it weren't a popular movement.
Use of Force During Protests
Sheikh Hasina
Hasina denies ordering live ammunition use, stating security forces responded to violent circumstances and regretting the bloodshed. She disputes the 1,400 death toll as an undocumented estimate, conflicting with lower figures from the Ministry of Health, and criticizes the interim government for not releasing a documented list of the dead.
Interim Government (led by Muhammad Yunus)
Rights groups and the UN claim over 1,400 people died during protests, implying a significant level of force was used. The interim government has not provided a detailed list of the deceased, which Hasina suggests might be to damage the Awami League's popularity.
Legitimacy of Elections and Government
Sheikh Hasina
Hasina asserts that elections without the Awami League's participation and the release of political prisoners would be a farce and illegitimate. She believes India should not formally recognize the results if the Awami League is banned, emphasizing the need for genuinely free, fair, and inclusive elections.
Interim Government (led by Muhammad Yunus)
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, is currently governing Bangladesh and has delayed parliamentary elections, which are expected early next year. Yunus has not been elected by the people, but the government's actions suggest an intent to govern without the Awami League.
Treatment of Minorities and Foreign Relations
Sheikh Hasina
Hasina claims systematic attacks on Hindus and other minorities are deliberate campaigns emboldened by the current administration, warning that the interim government's failure to protect them is complicity. She also expresses concern over Bangladesh expanding ties with China under Yunus, fearing an alienation from India.
Interim Government (led by Muhammad Yunus)
Under Yunus, Bangladesh is expanding ties with China. While Hasina frames this as potentially alienating India, the interim government's focus may be on seeking international recognition and fostering economic relationships.
- Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh
- Sheikh Hasina
- Current Interim Government Head
- Muhammad Yunus
- Date of Ouster Allegation
- August 2024
- Location of Sheikh Hasina
- Exile in Delhi, India
- Allegations Against Hasina
- Excessive force during 2024 protests
- Government Timeline Breach
- Interim government exceeded six-month legal timeline for elections.
- Hasina's Stance on Return
- Willing to return if Awami League is reinstated, political prisoners released, minority rights protected, and a fair process guaranteed.
- Persecution Claims
- Allegations of systematic attacks on Hindus and other minorities since August 2024.
Sources
‘Never ordered firing on civilians’: Hasina denies crimes against humanity as Bangladesh awaits tribunal verdict
Bangladesh on edge ahead of verdict in ousted PM Hasina’s trial
Verdict on Nov 17 in Sheikh Hasina 'crimes against humanity' case in Bangladesh
Hasina's Awami Doubles Down On Its Attack On Yunus, Announces More Protests
