Sheikh Hasina Slams Muhammad Yunus As 'Fascist' In Fresh Attack On Bangladesh's Interim Government

In a fresh attack on Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday labelled him a "fascist."

She claimed that the primary objective of the government he led was to undermine the spirit of the Liberation War and suppress pro-liberation forces. Hasina also accused Yunus of leading an "undemocratic group" that bears no responsibility towards the people.

Hasina's comments came on the evening of 'Bijoy Dibos' or Victory Day, celebrated by Bangladesh on December 16.

In a statement issued in Bengali, Hasina, who fled to India after resigning as Prime Minister in August due to widespread anti-government protests, stated that "anti-national groups" had unconstitutionally seized power.

"This undemocratic group led by the fascist Yunus has no responsibility towards the people," she said.

"They are taking power and obstructing all public welfare work," she added.

Hasina criticised Yunus's administration, stating that the people of Bangladesh are burdened by rising prices.

"As this government is not democratically elected, they have no accountability to the people. Their main aim is to suppress the spirit of the Liberation War and the pro-liberation forces and suppress their voice," Hasina said.

"On the contrary, they are secretly supporting the anti-Independence radical communal forces. The lack of sensitivity of the leaders of this government, including the fascist Yunus, towards the Liberation War and its history is proven in every step they take," she added.

Bangladesh's Bijoy Dibos

On December 16, 1971, General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, the then chief of Pakistani forces, along with 93,000 troops, surrendered to the joint forces of the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini, following a 13-day war, after which East Pakistan became Bangladesh.

Relations between India and Bangladesh soured after the formation of an interim government now headed by Yunus. The Awami League leader has been staying in India since Hasina left Bangladesh.

In recent months, there have been multiple attacks on minorities, including the Hindu community, in Bangladesh, which has raised concerns in India.

Last week, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka and conveyed India's concerns, particularly regarding the safety and welfare of minorities.

"There is no reason why this mutually beneficial cooperation should not continue to deliver in the interest of both our peoples. And, to that end, therefore, I have underlined today India's desire to work closely with the Interim government of Bangladesh," Misri told reporters in Dhaka.

"At the same time, we also had the opportunity to discuss certain recent developments and issues, and I conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities," he said.