Dhaka: Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shared details about multiple assassination plots against her and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, after her ousting from power. In an emotional audio message posted on the Bangladesh Awami League’s Facebook page, Hasina explained how she and her sister narrowly survived attempts on their lives. “Rehana and I survived—just 20-25 minutes apart, we escaped death,” Hasina said, reflecting on the terrifying experiences that occurred after she was ousted from office.
The 76-year-old leader was forced to flee to India last year following a student-led revolution that toppled her government. The protests, marked by clashes and violence, led to the deaths of over 600 people. Hasina alleged that there was a well-coordinated conspiracy aimed at eliminating her and described her survival as a result of divine intervention. “I feel it is the will of Allah that I have survived—the August 21 grenade attack, the Kotalipara bomb plot, and now this recent threat,” she said. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be alive today.”
Alleged assassination attempts in past
This was not the first time that Hasina’s life had been in danger. She recalled the August 21, 2004 grenade attack, which targeted her during an anti-terrorism rally in Dhaka. The attack killed 24 people and injured over 500. Despite the severity of the attack, Hasina narrowly escaped with only minor injuries. Another near-fatal plot occurred in 2000, when a 76kg bomb was discovered in Kotalipara, a place where she was scheduled to address a rally.
Since her exile, Hasina has faced increasing scrutiny, particularly from Bangladesh government. The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh issued arrest warrants against her for alleged involvement in enforced disappearances during her 15-year rule as Prime Minister. The prosecutors accuse her administration of abducting more than 500 individuals, calling it a crime against humanity. “She must face justice for crimes against humanity,” stated Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Bangladesh’s interim government.
Dhaka has officially requested Hasina’s extradition from India. However, the extradition process is complicated by the lack of a clear timeline in the extradition treaty between the two countries.
Hasina’s defiance and resilience
Despite the challenges she faces, Sheikh Hasina remains defiant. In her emotional message, she said, “Although I am without my country and my home, I believe Allah’s mercy has kept me alive for a reason.” She reaffirmed her resilience and determination to continue her fight against the threats to her life and political career.
Bangladesh interim government recently responded to reports that India had extended Hasina’s visa, clarifying that visa matters become irrelevant once a passport is revoked. The government had previously canceled the passports of 97 people, including Hasina, for their alleged involvement in protests-related crimes. Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, a spokesperson for Bangladesh’s foreign ministry, confirmed that information regarding passport cancellations is shared with diplomatic missions, including India.
