In her first public statement since being ousted from power, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for justice and punishment for those involved in violent clashes. The statement, issued through her son Sajeeb Wazed, comes after Hasina fled to India last week amid massive protests against her administration over a controversial job quota system.
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আসসালামুয়ালাইকুম
ভাই ও বোনেরা, ১৯৭৫ সালে ১৫ই আগস্ট বাংলাদেশের রাষ্ট্রপতি জাতির পিতা বঙ্গবন্ধু শেখ মুজিবুর রহমানকে নির্মমভাবে হত্যা করে। তাঁর প্রতি গভীর শ্রদ্ধা জানাই। একই সাথে আমার মা বেগম ফজিলাতুন্নেসা, আমার তিন ভাই মুক্তিযোদ্ধা ক্যাপ্টেন শেখ কামাল,…— Sajeeb Wazed (@sajeebwazed) August 13, 2024
Hasina, 76, began her address by recalling the traumatic events of August 15, 1975, when her father, President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was assassinated along with other family members. She recounted the brutal killings of her mother, siblings, and several other relatives and associates.
“Brothers and sisters, on August 15, 1975, the President of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was brutally assassinated. I have deep respect for him. At the same time my mother Begum Fazilatunnessa, my three brothers freedom fighter Captain Sheikh Kamal, freedom fighter Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal, Kamal and Jamal’s newlywed bride Sultana Kamal and Rozi Jamal, my younger brother who was only 10 years old brutally killed Sheikh Russell,” Hasina said in the statement.
Addressing the recent violence in Bangladesh, Hasina expressed condolences for the lives lost due to vandalism, arson, and attacks since last July. She highlighted the deaths of students, teachers, police officers, journalists, and others caught in the turmoil. Hasina called for a thorough investigation into these incidents and demanded that the perpetrators be identified and held accountable.
“Since last July, many fresh lives have been lost due to vandalism, arson and violence in the name of agitation… My condolences to those like me who are living with the pain of losing a loved one. I demand that those involved in these killings and vandalism be properly investigated and the culprits be identified and punished accordingly,” Hasina stated.
Reflecting on the current state of Bangladesh, Hasina accused those in power of insulting the legacy of her father and the sacrifices of many martyrs. “The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose leadership we have gained self-esteem as an independent nation, got self-identity and got an independent country, has been grossly insulted. They insulted the blood of millions of martyrs. I want justice from the countrymen,” she stated.
Hasina concluded her statement by urging the nation to observe National Mourning Day on August 15 to honor the victims and reflect on the country’s troubled times.
“I appeal to you to observe the National Mourning Day on 15th August with due dignity and solemnity. Pray for the salvation of all souls by offering floral garlands and praying at Bangabandhu Bhaban,” the statement read.
