Sheikh Hasina Criticizes Interim Leader Yunus for Alleged Betrayal

Political Tensions Rise in Bangladesh

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has publicly criticized interim government leader Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of compromising the nation's sovereignty by aligning with the United States. Hasina condemned Yunus for his decision to ban her Awami League party, labeling it as unconstitutional.

In an audio message shared on her party's Facebook page, Hasina claimed that Yunus has seized power with the assistance of extremist factions.

Yunus assumed the role of interim leader following a student-led movement that resulted in Hasina's resignation and subsequent exile from the country. He was appointed on August 7, 2024, and is now reportedly under pressure from the military to conduct elections by December 7.

Local media reports indicate that Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has expressed a strong preference for holding national elections by December. He reiterated that an elected government should have the authority to shape the country's future.

During a recent address at the Dhaka Cantonment, General Waqar-uz-Zaman discussed various issues with army officers, both in attendance and participating virtually.

Multiple political factions, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, are calling for parliamentary elections by December. Conversely, the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP), which played a role in Hasina's ousting, is advocating for significant reforms prior to any elections.