Hasina’s son and former government adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy had made claims that unidentified foreign forces were supporting protests in Bangladesh, alleging that only an intelligence agency could have smuggled weapons to protesters. He did not provide any evidence to support these claims. In May, Hasina herself had alleged that a “white-skinned” foreign country was working against her government after being denied permission to build an airbase. She claimed that this foreign country had threatened that no elections would be held in Bangladesh in the future. Hasina emphasized her commitment to maintaining the sovereignty of Bangladesh and accused this foreign country of ongoing conspiracies without specifying which country she was referring to.
The United States, which has generally had friendly relations with Bangladesh, expressed concerns about what it saw as undemocratic actions in the country and had imposed restrictions on visas for Bangladeshis accused of undermining elections. Hasina has been seen as a partner by the US on various issues, including shared concerns about Islamist extremism. Despite these friendly relations, there have been tensions between Bangladesh and the US over issues related to democracy and human rights in the country. Hasina’s government has faced criticism for its handling of elections and suppression of opposition voices.
Following the ousting of the autocratic Hasina, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of an interim government. This change in leadership marked a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with hopes for a more democratic and inclusive government. Hasina’s government had been accused of authoritarian practices and suppressing dissent, leading to widespread protests and calls for change. The appointment of Yunus as the head of the interim government signaled a new era for Bangladesh, with expectations of political reform and respect for rule of law.
The allegations made by Hasina and her son regarding foreign interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs raised concerns about the country’s sovereignty and independence. Accusations of foreign forces supporting protests and conspiring against the government without concrete evidence added to the political turmoil in Bangladesh. The US government’s criticism of the lack of democracy in Bangladesh and restrictions on visas for those undermining elections highlighted international concerns about the country’s political situation. The appointment of Muhammad Yunus as head of the interim government brought hope for a more transparent and inclusive political process in Bangladesh.
Yunus’ leadership of the interim government following Hasina’s ousting reflected a desire for change and reform in Bangladesh’s political system. The transition to a new government under Yunus’ leadership signaled a potential shift towards greater democracy and respect for human rights in the country. The accusations of foreign interference and conspiracies against the government added to the uncertainty and instability in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for a more transparent and accountable political system. The US government’s concerns about the lack of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh underscored the international implications of the country’s political situation. With new leadership in place, there were hopes for a more democratic and inclusive government in Bangladesh.
