‘Fascist Govt’: Sheikh Hasina Slams Yunus Over Chinmoy Prabhu’s Arrest, Calls Him ‘Mastermind’

Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina lashed out at the country’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus over.

The arrest of religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu and alleged persecution of minorities and called the current regime in the country “fascist.” Das, a former ISKCON member and spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sommilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was arrested at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 25, triggering a countrywide protest demanding his release.

In a virtual address at an event in London, Hasina said, “They have arrested Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu and have not allowed a lawyer for him. Human Rights are being violated in Bangladesh. This is an example of a fascist government.” Launching a sharp attack on the Yunus-led interim government, she alleged that the Bangladesh authorities released several criminals accused of murder while arresting over 100 journalists, curbing freedom of speech and expression.

Hasina fled the country and has been staying in India following massive anti-government protests that erupted in July and August. It triggered massive violence in the country, with several reports claiming attacks on religious minorities, including Hindus.

“They (Yunus-led government) have tortured and assaulted the religious minorities in Bangladesh. They have attacked religious sites as well, including temples and churches. Several Awami League leaders have been killed,” Hasina was heard saying in the audio clip posted on X by the Awami League.

‘Yunus A Mastermind Of Conspiracy’
Hasina, who had alleged that there was a plot to assassinate her, accused Yunus of hatching a conspiracy against her government and charged his government with doing politics at the cost of someone’s life. “Yunus designed the conspiracy against our government. He has accepted of hatching the conspiracy. He was the mastermind (of anti-government protests). We accepted their demands, but still, Yunus did all this to rule Bangladesh.”

The mass protest, which turned violent and led to the ouster of Hasina, began as students demanded reforms to the civil service quota system. However, many claimed a hidden agenda behind the protest.

“I have not handed over the government, it was occupied by the Yunus-led protestors. I fled the country because I never wanted to do politics on dead bodies,” Hasina added in her virtual speech. Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took power in August. Continued attacks on Hindus and Das’ arrest have further strained ties.