Highlights
- Fugitive former PM Sheikh Hasina sends audio message to supporters before tribunal verdict.
- She calls allegations against her false and politically motivated.
- Hasina vows to continue working for the people of Bangladesh.
- Criticizes interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
- Reiterates faith in Allah and resilience despite threats and losses.
Ahead of the International Crimes Tribunal verdict on charges of crimes against humanity, fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed her supporters through an audio message. She denied all allegations and criticized the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus for attempting to politically eliminate her.
Sheikh Hasina stated that she is not worried about the verdict and will continue to work for the people of Bangladesh, wherever she may be.
Allegations Are False
Hasina emphasized that the charges against her are politically motivated. She said,
“মানবতাবিরোধী অপরাধের অভিযোগ মিথ্যা এবং অন্তর্বর্তীকালীন সরকার আমাকে রাজনৈতিকভাবে নিশ্চিহ্ন করতে চাচ্ছে।”
Translation: “The allegations of crimes against humanity are false, and the interim government wants to politically eliminate me.”
Sheikh Hasina highlighted the continued support from the people after protests were called, which gave her confidence. She said,
“তারা আমাদের বিশ্বাস দিয়েছে। জনগণ এই দুর্নীতিবাজ, জঙ্গিবাদী ও খুনি ইউনুস আর তার দোসরদের দেখিয়ে দেবে বাংলাদেশ কত দ্রুত ঘুরে দাঁড়াতে পারে; জনগণই বিচার করবে।”
Translation: “They have given us their trust. The people will show how quickly Bangladesh can recover from this corrupt, terrorist, and murderous Yunus and his associates; the people will judge.”
Sheikh Hasina, 78, reaffirmed her faith and resilience despite threats and personal losses. She expressed,
“রায় দিক, আমার কিছু যায় আসে না। আল্লাহ আমাকে জীবন দিয়েছেন, আল্লাহই নেবেন। কিন্তু দেশের মানুষের জন্য কাজ করে যাব।”
Translation: “Let them give the verdict, nothing will affect me. Allah has given me life, and Allah will take it. But I will continue working for the people of my country.”
She mentioned the personal losses she endured, including the deaths of family members and attacks on her home.
Read More: Trial Was Transparent. But Acquittal of Hasina Would Make Me Happiest: State-Appointed Lawyer
Criticism of Interim Government
Sheikh Hasina criticized Yunus’ government for overstepping its constitutional authority. Said,
“ইউনুস খুব পরিকল্পনা করে ঠিক এই কাজটাই করেছে।”
Translation: “Yunus deliberately did exactly this.”
She claimed that the government granted general pardons to accused individuals, leaving victims’ families without justice.
Determination to Continue Work
Hasina assured supporters that no court verdict could stop her. Hasina said,
“আমি জনগণের সঙ্গে আছি। আমি আমার কর্মীদের বলছি—চিন্তা কোরো না। সময়ের ব্যাপার মাত্র। তোমরা কষ্ট পাচ্ছ, আমরা ভুলব না, হিসাব হবে। আর আমি বিশ্বাস করি, আমি সেটা ফিরিয়ে দিতে পারব, ইনশাআল্লাহ।”
Translation: “I am with the people. I am telling my workers—do not worry. It is only a matter of time. You are suffering, we will not forget, justice will be done. And I believe, Insha’Allah, I will be able to restore it.”
Hasina also highlighted her government’s achievements and expressed concern about current economic challenges in Bangladesh. She also said,
“আজ বেকারত্ব বাড়ছে। আয় নেই। দেশে উৎপাদন নেই। শিল্পকারখানা বন্ধ হয়ে যাচ্ছে। ব্যাংক লুট হচ্ছে। বাংলাদেশকে এই পরিস্থিতি থেকে বের করতে হবে।”
Translation: “Today, unemployment is rising. There is no income. Production is down. Factories are closing. Banks are being looted. Bangladesh must be rescued from this situation.”
She concluded her message by urging people to stay strong by saying,
“Stay well, everyone. Victory to Bangladesh, victory to Bangladesh.”
Source: Daily Ittefaq
