She called Yunus a ‘mobster’ and said that all those responsible for the killings would face justice ‘on Bangla soil.’ Hasina said, “Allah has kept me alive for this sole purpose. I will return and ensure justice for all of you.”
The four police officers were killed when the Hasina government attempted to suppress the student-led movement last year in July-August, which started as protests against a controversial quota system but quickly escalated into a call for her ouster.According to her, about 450 police stations were also set on fire. She said the deaths were part of a bigger conspiracy coordinated by Yunus, who has since admitted there was a ‘design and conspiracy’ to overthrow her. The former Prime Minister then fled to India.
“The killings were part of his meticulous conspiracy to throw me out of power. I will return and avenge the deaths of our policemen,” she added.
She also provided critical information about the investigation, such as the bullets used to kill the officers were 0.75 mm, a calibre that was not commonly used by the police or any other force engaged.Hasina also stated that the inquiry into the police killings had been delayed, despite the evidence. She went on to say that the burning of her residence was part of a deliberate plan to destabilise her administration.
The former prime minister voiced concern over Yunus’ incapacity to control mob justice and further questioned his authority. “I will look after you once I return,” she added.
She vowed to hold the existing government accountable, saying that victims’ relatives have yet to get compensation. Hasina said, “My heart goes out to these women. Their families are destroyed, and nothing has been done for them.”
Calling for a revolt, she concluded, “This government that usurped power has to go and the people have to ensure that. Human rights violations under him (Yunus) have been unprecedented and we have to ensure the people put him out of power.”
In response, Bangladesh’s interim administration stated that securing Hasina’s extradition from India remained their primary goal. “Hasina’s extradition is our government’s top priority. Dhaka would continue its efforts to extradite Hasina to hold her trial in person,” said Yunus’ press secretary, Shafiqul Alam.
Alam added that the people and political parties of Bangladesh will decide if her ‘fascist’ Awami League party would remain in the country’s political landscape but emphasised that those allegedly involved in killings, enforced disappearances, and other crimes must face justice.
He also said that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) fact-finding report, which was issued last week, proved that Hasina committed crimes against humanity throughout her tenure. “After the report of the UN and some reports of rights groups were published, pressure has been mounted (on India to return Hasina to Bangladesh),” he added.
