Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Says Surrendering Saint Martin Island Could Have Kept Her In Power, Hints At US Role In Her Ousting

In a stunning claim, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the United States of orchestrating her ousting for refusing to hand over Saint Martin Island, a move she claims would have allowed the US to dominate the Bay of Bengal.

Hasina, currently staying in India has urged Bangladeshi citizens not to be swayed by radical elements as per a report by The Economic Times.

Hasina stated, “I resigned, so that I did not have to see the procession of dead bodies. They wanted to come to power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow it, I resigned from the premiership. I could have remained in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal. I beseech to the people of my land, please do not be manipulated by radicals.”

Expressing deep sorrow over the deaths of many leaders and the harassment and destruction faced by her supporters, Hasina vowed to return soon.

She further continued, "My heart cries upon receiving news that many leaders have been killed, workers are being harassed and their homes are subjected to vandalism and arson… With the grace of almighty Allah, I will return soon. Awami League has stood up again and again. I shall forever pray for the future of Bangladesh, the nation which my great father strived for. The country for which my father and family gave their lives.”

Addressing the quota movement and student protests, Hasina clarified, “I would like to repeat to the young students of Bangladesh. I have never called you Razakars. Rather, my words were distorted to incite you. I request you to watch the full video of that day. Conspirators have taken advantage of innocence and used you to destabilise the nation.”

Earlier, in April, Hasina had warned parliament about America's strategy for regime change in Bangladesh, accusing the US of trying to undermine democracy and install a non-democratic government.

On 15 December 2023, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned that if Sheikh Hasina were re-elected, the US would use all its powers to overthrow her government, creating a situation similar to the 'Arab Spring' to bring about chaotic regime change.

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