US rejects claims of involvement in Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's resignation

The United States has denied any involvement in the resignation of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, addressing allegations that it had a role in her departure from office.

For the unversed, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India on August 5 after thousands of protesters demanded the ouster of her government.

The weeks of unrest in Bangladesh resulted in over 450 casualties. Following the turmoil, an interim government was established, with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus taking a leading role. This transition aimed to stabilise the country and oversee a return to normalcy.

On Tuesday (Aug 13), United States Department of State Vedant Patel said that the allegations were “laughable” and “absolutely bogus”.

During a press briefing, Patel firmly dismissed the allegation that the United States was involved in Sheikh Hasina's resignation, calling the implication "laughable" and asserting that such claims were completely false.

Patel said that a lot of disinformation has been spread in recent weeks about the events in Bangladesh.

“We have come across a lot of disinformation in recent weeks and we were made incredibly committed to strengthening information and integrity across the regional ecosystem, especially our partners in South Asia,” Patel said.

Earlier this week, Sajeeb Wazed, son of Sheikh Hasina, claimed that the protests in Bangladesh had backing from “foreign forces”. This allegation has been met with strong denials from various international players, including the United States, which has rejected any involvement in the political turmoil.

Sheikh Hasina demands punishment

Sheikh Hasina released her first statement since her August 5 ouster and demanded punishment for those involved in the riots.

The statement, released through her son Sajeeb Wazed, called on the Bangladeshi nationals to observe the National Mourning Day on 15th August “with due dignity and solemnity”.

“Pray for the salvation of all souls by offering floral garlands and praying at Bangabandhu Bhaban,” the statement said.

Her statement came after the interim government cancelled the public holiday for National Mourning Day on August 15. The move came after Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus held a meeting of the Council of Advisers on Tuesday.

In her statement, she also lamented the vandalisation of Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's museum.

"The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose leadership we have gained self-esteem as an independent nation, got self-identity and got an independent country, has been grossly insulted. They insulted the blood of millions of martyrs. I want justice from the countrymen," Hasina said.

(With inputs from agencies)