Hasina’s son and former government adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy has alleged that unidentified foreign forces supported protests in Bangladesh, claiming that only an intelligence agency could be behind the smuggling and supplying of weapons to protesters. However, he provided no evidence to support these claims. In May, Hasina herself accused a “white-skinned” foreign country of conspiring against her government after it was refused permission to build an airbase. She also claimed that this country was threatening that no election would be held in Bangladesh in the future.
During a meeting of her Awami League-led alliance, Hasina emphasized that Bangladesh had been liberated through a war, and she was determined not to let any part of the country be rented out or given to anyone else. She asserted that the conspiracy against her government was ongoing but did not specify which country was behind the alleged plot. The United States, traditionally friendly with Bangladesh, has previously criticized what it perceived as undemocratic practices in the country and had restricted visas for Bangladeshis accused of undermining elections.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been sworn in as the head of an interim government following the removal of Hasina, who was viewed as an autocratic leader. Yunus steps into a position of leadership during a time of tension and uncertainty in Bangladesh, as allegations of foreign interference and conspiracies against the government continue to be made. It is unclear how Yunus will navigate these challenges and work towards fostering a stable and democratic future for the country.
The relationship between Bangladesh and foreign powers, particularly the United States, has been a complicated one, with shared concerns about issues like Islamist extremism often overshadowed by criticisms of undemocratic practices within Bangladesh’s government. Hasina’s government faced backlash for its perceived authoritarianism and restrictions on opposition parties, which led to strained relations with some foreign countries. The allegations of foreign interference in protests and elections by Hasina and her son have further strained relations with foreign powers.
As an authoritarian leader, Hasina had faced accusations of stifling dissent and undermining the democratic process in Bangladesh. Her removal from power and the appointment of an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus signal a potential shift towards greater democracy and accountability in the country. Yunus is a respected figure both at home and abroad, and his leadership may offer hope for a more transparent and inclusive political environment in Bangladesh.
Overall, the allegations of foreign interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, as claimed by Hasina and her son, have raised concerns about the country’s stability and democratic future. The appointment of Muhammad Yunus as head of an interim government represents a possible turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape. It remains to be seen how Yunus will address these challenges and work towards restoring trust in the government both domestically and internationally.
