The following are statements of ousted Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina: Current opposition leader Sheikh Hasina has demanded that those involved in the July killings and acts of vandalism should be punished.
Speaking to the nation, Hasina asked the people to pay proper respect to the National Mourning Day on 15 August with proper dignity and honor.
Deprecating the recent acts of violence, she extended her sympathy for the death of the people, including students, teachers, police, journalists, cultural personalities, and the members of the Awami League and its allied organization. The whole yearning was still spent talking of the many who had fallen victim to the situation; she said, ‘I am condoling and praying for their souls.’
The former prime minister also deplored the razing of the museum that was in honour of Hasina’s father and the founder of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led the country to gain self-esteem as an independent nation, got self-identity, got an independent country, has been grossly insulted; they insulted the blood of millions of martyrs. I want justice from the countrymen, she said.
Begum Hasina’s tenure as the head of government of Bangladesh expired on August 5, 1981, when she resigned and fled the country due to popular riots against her administration. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s daughter is now safe somewhere in India.
At the same time, a court in Bangladesh has ordered a murder case against Hasina and six leaders of her administration for the police shooting of a man during the recent social turmoil. ‘A case has been filed against Sheikh Hasina and six more,’ said Mamun Mia, a lawyer who was present when a private citizen filed the case.
The more recent political instability and the call for justice by both parties imply that the state is still a volatile nation. In the face of the recent violence, grieving for the lost lives will continue, and finding someone to blame and seeking forgiveness in order to set a new direction for the country will be vital.
