Sheikh Hasina accuses US of ousting her for refusing to surrender Saint Martin Island

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina accused the United States of orchestrating her ouster from power due to her refusal to cede Saint Martin Island, which would have given them control over the Bay of Bengal.

According to the Economic Times report which cited the ousted Bangladeshi PM’s close associates, Hasina said “I resigned to avoid witnessing the death toll that radicals sought to achieve through violence. They wanted to gain power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow that by stepping down. I could have stayed in power by surrendering Saint Martin Island’s sovereignty, allowing US control over the Bay of Bengal. I urge my fellow countrymen not to be misled by radicals,".

Watch Also: Bangladesh Crisis LIVE: Yunus Takes Charge, Says Bangladesh Got Independence for Second Time

Expressing grief over leaders’ killings, workers’ harassment, and vandalism, she said, “With Allah’s grace, I’ll return soon. Awami League has stood up again and again. I’ll forever pray for Bangladesh’s future, the nation my father strived for, and the country my family gave their lives for.”

More from World

Nepal's new PM pays homage to people died during the Gen Z protest in her first national address This Week in Explainers: How recovering from Gen-Z protests is a Himalayan task for Nepal

Regarding the quota movement and student protests, Hasina said, “I have never called you as Razakars. My words were twisted to incite unrest. I urge you to watch the full video of that day. Conspirators exploited your innocence to destabilise our nation.” Hasina also warned Bangladeshi citizens against radical manipulation.

Before this, a CNN-News18 report dated August 6 highlighted the role of the US and UK in the events leading to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. According to sources cited in the report, figures such as David Burgan, activist Pinaki Bhattacharji, BNP’s Tarique Rahman, and Netra News owners allegedly orchestrated a social media campaign against her and spread false narratives.

Watch Also: Bangladesh Chief Justice & Central Bank Governor Quit Amid Protests

The report also mentions that Hasina has criticized the US for allegedly seeking to establish a base in Bengal and create a Christian state similar to East Timor. She reportedly asserted that a Western representative had guaranteed no issues with the elections but aimed to construct an airbase in Bangladesh.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

‘The cries of this widow will echo’: In first public remarks, Erika Kirk warns Charlie’s killers they’ve ‘unleashed a fire’

Trump urges Nato to back sanctions on Russia, calls for 50–100% tariffs on China

Before the protest started in the country, Hasina told parliament that the US was pursuing regime change in Bangladesh, seeking to eliminate democracy and introduce a non-democratic government. According to reports, leaders close to Hasina in the Awami League have blamed the US for the political upheaval in Dhaka, alleging that a senior US diplomat’s visit in May was part of a strategy to pressure Hasina into acting against China. The diplomat reportedly supported the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Watch Also: India Breaks Silence on Bangladesh Crisis After 24 Hours | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Hasina resigned and fled the country after hundreds of people were killed in a crackdown on demonstrations that began as protests against job quotas and swelled into a movement demanding her ouster.