“I demand punishment...": Former PM Sheikh Hasina Issues First Statement After Ouster, Demands Justice for Lives Lost Amid Unrest in Bangladesh

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for punishment for "those responsible for the killings and sabotage", in the recent protests that led to her ouster. In her first official statement since fleeing, Hasina has condemned the violence and issued a demand for accountability. Hasina's remarks come in the wake of murder charges filed against her, linked to the death of a grocery store owner amid widespread student-led protests. The former Prime Minister offered her "deepest sympathy" for people who have lost their loved ones.

“I demand punishment for those responsible for the killings and sabotage, through investigation,” said Sheikh Hasina in a statement, delivered through her son Sajeeb Wazed, demanding a thorough investigation into the recent violence.

Hasina expressed deep sorrow over the violence, which has led to numerous casualties. “Since July, due to the acts of sabotage, arson, and violence carried out in the name of movement, many innocent lives have been lost,” she said, extending her condolences to the victims including pregnant women, students, police officers, journalists, and others.

The former Prime Minister criticized the current state of Bangladesh, stating that the country, once recognized as a developing nation, has been “reduced to ashes.” She condemned the recent destruction of the Bangabandhu Museum and the vandalism of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s statue. “This is an extreme dishonor to the Father of the Nation,” Hasina declared.

She also appealed for August 15 to be observed as a National Mourning Day, commemorating the brutal assassination of her family members in 1975. This request followed the interim government’s recent decision to cancel the holiday marking the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina's father and the founder of Bangladesh.

“I appeal to you to observe the National Mourning Day on August 15 with due dignity and solemnity,” Hasina urged. She asked citizens to honor the day by offering floral tributes and prayers at Bangabandhu Bhaban, Rahman’s residence, which has been turned into a museum.

On the day Hasina fled, protesters stormed the Prime Minister's Palace, looting and vandalizing properties, including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's statue and the museum.

A murder case has been filed against Hasina and six others over the death of a grocery store worker during the unrest. This is the first legal action taken against Hasina since her resignation following massive protests against a controversial job quota system. Hasina, who had been in power for 15 years, resigned after the protests, which began over the job quota issue and escalated into demands for her removal. Her party, the Awami League, retained power in the January parliamentary elections, which were boycotted by opposition parties.​