‘Honour has been tarnished..’: Deposed PM Sheikh Hasina in first remarks since leaving Bangladesh

In her first remarks after fleeing Bangladesh on Tuesday, deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina demanded a proper investigation into the July “killings and vandalism,” insisting that those involved be identified and punished.

Hasina also urged the people to observe National Mourning Day on August 15 with dignity and solemnity, asking them to “pray for the salvation of all souls” and to offer floral garlands at Bangabandhu Bhaban.

Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, took to X to release a statement on her behalf, noting that while Bangladesh has earned a place among the respected developing countries of the world, that “honour has been tarnished,” ANI reported.

“Since last July, many fresh lives have been lost due to vandalism, arson, and violence in the name of agitation… My condolences to those, like me, who are living with the pain of losing a loved one. I demand that those involved in these killings and vandalism be properly investigated, and the culprits be identified and punished accordingly,” she said, as the post read.

“I appeal to you to observe National Mourning Day on August 15 with due dignity and solemnity. Pray for the salvation of all souls by offering floral garlands and praying at Bangabandhu Bhaban,” the post further mentioned.

Sheikh Hasina voiced her anguish over the “disrespect” shown to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

“Despite bearing the pain of losing loved ones, I have been working tirelessly to bring smiles to the faces of the distressed people of Bangladesh… Bangladesh has earned a place among the respected developing countries of the world. But today, that honour has been tarnished. The memories that were our solace have been burnt to ashes. The Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been subjected to utmost disrespect. Under his leadership, we achieved independence, self-respect, and a separate identity as a nation. This is an insult to the blood of the lakhs of martyrs who fought for our freedom. I demand justice from the people of the country,” she said, according to ANI.

Sheikh Hasina also extended her condolences for the loss of lives in the ongoing violence in Bangladesh, highlighting that students, teachers, police officers, journalists, cultural workers, and members of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations have suffered.

(With ANI Inputs)