DHAKA, May 28: During a hearing at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam revealed that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, forced to resign after a violent student uprising in July last year, defiantly told military officials to “shoot me and bury me here” at her official residence, Ganabhaban.
The uprising, triggered by protests against a controversial government job quota system, resulted in over 500 deaths. Amid escalating unrest, top military, police, and government officials held tense meetings demanding Hasina’s resignation.
Police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun reported their forces were exhausted and out of ammunition, intensifying pressure on Hasina. Despite her refusal, she was ultimately forced to flee Bangladesh, given only 45 minutes to leave, and denied the chance to record a farewell speech.
Hasina sought refuge in India and now faces over 100 charges, including mass murder and corruption. Analysts view these legal actions and the banning of her party, the Awami League, as part of a political vendetta by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
The military-backed interim administration has faced criticism for sheltering radical groups and undermining democracy in the country. (IANS)
