Sheikh Hasina Calls for Overthrow of Yunus-Led Interim Govt, Accuses It of ‘Foreign Puppetry’
Bangladesh’s exiled former prime minister on Friday launched one of her strongest attacks yet on the interim administration led by , calling for the overthrow of what she described as a “foreign-serving puppet regime” to restore democracy and constitutional rule in the country.
In an audio address played at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi, Hasina accused the Yunus-led government of plunging Bangladesh into terror, lawlessness and political exile since her removal from office in August 2024 following mass protests.
‘Democracy Is Now in Exile’
Setting an emotional and combative tone, Hasina urged Bangladeshis to unite and reclaim the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War. She portrayed the current political situation as one of the darkest phases in the nation’s history.
“Bangladesh stands today at the edge of an abyss, a nation battered and bleeding,” Hasina said. “The entire country has become a vast prison, an execution ground, a valley of death.”
Invoking the legacy of her father, , Hasina claimed that democratic institutions had collapsed since her ouster. She alleged that democracy had been “driven into exile” and that fear had replaced governance.
Direct Attack on Muhammad Yunus
Hasina launched a scathing personal attack on Yunus, accusing him of betraying the nation and conspiring with “anti-state militant accomplices” to seize power.
“On August 5, 2024, in a meticulously engineered conspiracy, the national enemy forcibly ousted me, though I was the people’s representative directly elected,” she said. “From that day forward, the nation has been plunged into an age of terror.”
She described Yunus as a “corrupt, power-hungry traitor” and accused his administration of enabling violence, silencing dissent, and destroying the country’s social fabric.
Awami League’s Five-Point Demand
Hasina announced that her party, the , has placed a five-point charter aimed at what she called national reconciliation and democratic revival.
The demands include the immediate removal of the Yunus-led interim administration, an end to street violence, and ironclad guarantees for the safety of religious minorities, women, and vulnerable communities. She also called for an end to politically motivated investigations against journalists and opposition leaders, and demanded a fresh, impartial United Nations probe into the events of the past year.
“These five steps are essential to heal our country and restore constitutional order,” Hasina said, urging Yunus to stop ignoring public sentiment.
Political Context Ahead of Elections
Hasina was removed from power in August 2024 amid widespread protests, after which an interim government headed by Nobel laureate Yunus assumed control. Bangladesh is scheduled to hold national elections in February 2026.
While the interim administration has promised free and fair polls, its decision to ban the Awami League has drawn criticism domestically and internationally, raising concerns over political inclusivity. Alongside the Awami League, the has traditionally dominated Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Our Thoughts
Sheikh Hasina’s address marks a decisive escalation in Bangladesh’s political confrontation, transforming her exile into an active campaign against the interim government. Her rhetoric, steeped in Liberation War symbolism and constitutional language, is clearly aimed at mobilising supporters while reclaiming moral legitimacy.
For Bangladesh, the challenge lies in preventing this deepening divide from tipping into sustained instability. The ban on a major political force like the Awami League risks undermining the credibility of upcoming elections, regardless of assurances offered by the interim administration.
From a regional perspective, the crisis places neighbouring India in a delicate position. Hosting Hasina while maintaining formal ties with the Yunus government exposes New Delhi to diplomatic balancing risks. As Bangladesh moves closer to elections, the absence of political consensus could further strain institutions already under pressure.
Whether Hasina’s call resonates within Bangladesh remains uncertain, but her message underscores a central reality: without inclusive politics and credible democratic processes, stability will remain elusive.