Sheikh Hasina’s unspoken accusations: Undelivered speech criticised US for alleged plot
New Delhi: Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, had prepared a speech accusing the United States of attempting a regime change in Bangladesh. However, she was unable to deliver it due to protests reaching her residence, which led to security officers advising her to leave the country immediately. The speech, now disclosed in India, reveals Hasina's claims about the US plotting against her government and her assertion that surrendering sovereignty over Saint Martin Island could have maintained her power.
In the undelivered speech, Hasina expressed her resignation as a reluctant decision to prevent further loss of life and claimed that her removal from power was a result of a larger conspiracy. She also addressed her party, the Awami League, urging them to remain hopeful and promising a return. Hasina refuted claims that she called protesting students "Razakars," stating that her words were misinterpreted.
Following her resignation and escape, the US said, "The United States has long called for respecting democratic rights in Bangladesh, and we urge that the interim government formation be democratic and inclusive." Washington DC also said that the US greatly values its relationship with the people of Bangladesh.
Earlier, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller had condemned the violence against protesters. "We condemn any violence against peaceful protesters. We've been watching this matter very closely, both from our embassy and officials here in Washington. (We) have been monitoring the protests, have seen the reports of people dying, being killed in the protests. And we again, call on the government to uphold individual's rights to protest peacefully," he had said.
Hasina's departure came amid violent student protests, which began over reservation issues and escalated into widespread unrest. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, now faces the challenge of managing ongoing tensions and protecting minority communities.
"There are many standing by to make your efforts futile. Don't fail this time," Muhammad Yunus said, urging them to protect Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families from harm. "Are they not the people of this country? You have been able to save the country; can't you save some families?...You must say - no one can harm them. They are my brothers; we fought together, and we will stay together," he has said.
In a major development, Bangladesh's Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and five other top judges on Saturday were forced to resign amid massive student protests demanding a revamp of the judiciary.
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Minor girl out with friend raped in MP forest; truck driver, associate held
Raisen (MP), Nov 24: A 15-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a truck driver while his two associates restrained the teenager’s male friend in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district, an official said on Sunday.
Police have arrested two persons, including the truck driver, in connection with the alleged crime committed in Siyarmau forest on Silwani-Sagar Road, some 110 km from the district headquarters, on Saturday evening, he said.
The teenager and her 21-year-old male friend were returning after visiting the Vandevi temple in the area when they parked their two-wheeler and entered the forest, said Silwani’s Sub Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Anil Maurya.
At the same time, a truck broke down following which its driver, later identified as Sanju Adivasi (21), and his two friends also went inside the forest, where they spotted the girl and her friend.
The trio thrashed the young man and snatched the key of his motorcycle, he said, citing the FIR.
The driver took the girl deep inside the forest and allegedly raped her, while his associates restrained her friend, the official said.
After the three accused left, the girl and the youth walked to the road and alerted some policemen who were passing by.
Police registered a case against Sanju Adivasi and his associates Shivnarayan Advasi and Akshay Ahirwar under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 64 (rape), 70-1 (gang rape) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, he said.
Sanju and Shivnarayan have been arrested, while Ahirwar is on the run, the official said.
