Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The United States has categorically denied any involvement in the resignation of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, dismissing such claims as “laughable” and “absolutely false.” This statement comes in response to allegations suggesting foreign interference in the political upheaval that led to Hasina’s resignation and subsequent flight to India on August 5.
The turmoil in Bangladesh intensified as thousands of protesters took to the streets of Dhaka, demanding the ouster of Hasina’s government. The weeks of unrest resulted in the deaths of over 450 people. Following Hasina’s resignation, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was established to restore order.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Vedant Patel, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, firmly rejected any claims of U.S. involvement. “That’s laughable. Any implication that the United States was involved in Sheikh Hasina’s resignation is absolutely false,” Patel stated, addressing the speculations that have been circulating.
Patel also highlighted the spread of disinformation regarding the events in Bangladesh, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to maintaining information integrity in the region. “We have seen a lot of disinformation in recent weeks, and we remain incredibly committed to strengthening information and integrity across the regional ecosystem, especially with our partners in South Asia,” he added.
The allegations of foreign interference were also echoed by Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who claimed that the protests in Bangladesh were supported by “foreign forces” with the capability of smuggling and supplying weapons to protesters. “I believe, at this point, it is from beyond Bangladesh,” Joy had asserted earlier this week.
In her first statement since fleeing to India, Sheikh Hasina called for justice for the victims of the violent protests that led to her ouster. She condemned the loss of lives, including those of students, police, and civilians, and demanded punishment for those responsible for the violence.
Hasina also expressed deep sorrow over the destruction of the museum dedicated to Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, following her departure. “The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose leadership we gained self-esteem as an independent nation, has been grossly insulted,” she lamented. “They insulted the blood of millions of martyrs. I want justice from the countrymen.”
