Sheikh Hasina Says ‘Motherland Bleeding’, Seeks Ouster of Yunus-Led Interim Government

Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday issued a defiant audio message from New Delhi, sharply criticising.

The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and urging supporters to mobilise against what she called an illegitimate regime. Speaking via an audio link at a media briefing at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia, Hasina described herself as representing “democracy in exile” and accused the interim administration of pushing Bangladesh into instability and lawlessness.

Hasina, who has been living in India since her government was removed in August 2024, did not appear on video, citing security reasons. Her remarks were delivered during a public appearance by several members of her former Awami League cabinet.

She described the Yunus-led administration as a “murderous, fascist clique” and alleged that Bangladesh has descended into chaos since her ouster. Calling on citizens not to “give up”, Hasina urged public mobilisation to reclaim democracy and “overthrow” what she termed a “foreign-serving” government.

The former prime minister also questioned the credibility of elections under the interim setup, saying free and fair polls would be impossible as long as the current administration remained in power. The briefing marked the first coordinated public appearance in India by senior figures from Hasina’s former government. Former foreign minister Hasan Mahmud and former education minister Mohibul Chowdhury Nowfel were among those present.

Former ministers alleged a breakdown of law and order in Bangladesh and raised concerns over the safety of religious minorities. Hasina claimed Hindus, Buddhists and Christians were being targeted under the interim authorities.

The remarks come ahead of the interim government’s tentative plan to hold national elections on February 12. With the Awami League barred from contesting and much of its leadership either in exile or facing legal proceedings in Dhaka, Hasina’s supporters have questioned the legitimacy of the proposed polls.

India has granted Hasina refuge but has maintained that her comments are made in a personal capacity. The public outreach from New Delhi is expected to add strain to already fragile ties between India and Bangladesh’s interim administration.