In a recent revelation following her resignation, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has made a startling accusation, attributing the downfall of her government to the United States. Hasina claimed that her refusal to cede control of Saint Martin’s Island, which is strategically located in the Bay of Bengal, led to her ouster. The island’s strategic importance for establishing dominance in the region was cited as a key factor.
In a message conveyed through her close aides, which has been obtained by the Economic Times, Hasina warned the Bangladeshi people not to be swayed by extremists. She asserted that her decision to resign on August 5, amidst violent student protests, was made to prevent further bloodshed. Hasina, who is currently residing in India for safety, stated, “I resigned so that I wouldn’t have to witness a procession of dead bodies. They wanted to come to power over the corpses of students, but I did not allow that.”
She further explained that she could have remained in power if she had surrendered sovereignty over Saint Martin’s Island and allowed the U.S. to establish control over the Bay of Bengal. Hasina appealed to the people of Bangladesh not to fall prey to radical elements and emphasized that her departure was a painful decision taken to prevent greater loss of life and destruction. She condemned the killings of Awami League leaders and assured that she would return to Bangladesh soon. Additionally, she addressed the students’ anti-reservation movement, urging them to watch the full video of her statements to understand the truth behind the manipulative portrayal of her words.