Hasina Calls Yunus A 'Mobster', Says 'Terrorists' Have Been Unleashed On Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s former prime minister who is currently in exile in India, has strongly criticised interim government chief Muhammad Yunus.

Labelling Yunus a "mobster", she accused him of unleashing "terrorists" and fostering "lawlessness" in the country, NDTV reported.

The Yunus led interim government, in its response, reiterated that ensuring Hasina’s extradition from India remains its top priority.

On Monday, Hasina held a one-on-one Zoom interaction with the widows of four policemen who were killed during the student uprising in July 2024.

The former Bangladesh PM , who fled to India after her government was overthrown in the 5 August protests, expressed her condolences and assured them of justice when she returns.

Hasina accused Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating the killings as part of a deliberate plan to remove her from power.

The killings were part of his meticulous conspiracy to throw me out of power," she said.

"I will return and avenge the deaths of our policemen," the former Bangladeshi PM added.

She further accused Yunus of dismantling all inquiry committees and alleged that his interim government had "unleashed terrorists" to massacre citizens.

"They are destroying Bangladesh," Hasina said, alleging she had narrowly survived an assassination attempt during the coup against her government.

"By the grace of God, I was kept alive to do something good. I will return and ensure justice for all of you," she vowed.

The deaths of the four policemen took place during Hasina’s crackdown on student-led protests in July and August 2024.

What initially began as demonstrations against a contentious quota system quickly evolved into demands for her resignation.

During an emotional address, Hasina pointed out that nearly 450 police stations had been torched during the unrest.

She said the killings were part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by Mr Yunus, who has since accepted there was a "design and conspiracy" to remove Hasina.

According to her, he had even admitted that there was a "design and conspiracy" to depose her.

"The killings were part of his meticulous conspiracy to throw me out of power," she said.

Hasina vowed that Yunus, whom she referred to as a "mobster," and others responsible for the deaths would be tried and punished "on Bangla soil."

"This government that usurped power has to go. People have to ensure that. Human rights violations under him (Mr Yunus) have been unprecedented. We have to ensure the people put him out of power," she added.

Following Hasina’s remarks, Bangladesh’s interim administration stressed that securing her extradition from India remains its topmost priority.

"This is the government's top priority. We will continue our efforts to extradite Hasina to hold her trial in person," said Yunus' press secretary, Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday.

Alam suggested that the fate of Hasina’s Awami League would be determined by the people and political forces of Bangladesh.

He stressed that those allegedly involved in killings, enforced disappearances, and other crimes must face justice.

Referring to a report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) accusing Hasina’s government of crimes against humanity, Alam claimed that global pressure had increased for her extradition to Bangladesh.

"After the report of the UN and some reports of rights groups were published, pressure has mounted (on India to return Ms Hasina to Bangladesh)," he said.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Office has officially submitted a diplomatic note requesting Hasina’s repatriation. While New Delhi has confirmed receiving it, no further response has been issued.

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