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‘A dark moment in history': Sheikh Hasina targets ‘unelected regime' of Yunus in open letter to Bangladesh
On the first anniversary of her ouster, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday dubbed the movement that topped her government as a dark moment in the country's history.
Last year, after weekslong movement backed by Pakistan-backed Islamists, the military gave the agitators tacit support, forcing Hasina to flee the country for her life on August 5. The agitating groups and the military propped Muhammed Yunus as the unelected interim ruler of the country.
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Under Yunus, the law and order in Bangladesh collapsed and the country descended into cyclic violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, who saw community members being killed, houses being burnt, and temples being attacked.
In a statement shared by her party Bangladesh Awami League, Hasina called for unity among Bangladeshis in the movement against the unelected regime.
Here is her complete statement:
'This is an open letter to the honest, hard-working and patriotic people of Bangladesh.
'One year ago today, our nation witnessed the violent interruption of our hard-fought democracy, as an unelected regime seized power through unconstitutional means. It was a dark moment in our history, an affront to the will of the people, and a betrayal of the trust between citizens and the state.
'While they may have taken power, they will never take away our spirit, our resolve, or our destiny. I can assure you of that.
'In the face of injustice and repression, I have witnessed extraordinary courage from you, the people of Bangladesh. You have refused to be silenced. You have stood up for democracy, for freedom, and for the future we all deserve. I am constantly inspired by your courage and your love for our country.
'Though this past year has tested us, it has also revealed the unbreakable bond between our people and the values of democracy. We have endured hardship, but in that hardship, we have found unity and purpose.
'Let us never forget that power belongs to the people, and no regime can suppress the will of a nation forever. Our struggle is not over, but our cause is just.
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'We must continue to stand for justice, for economic opportunity, for education, for peace, and for a nation where no one lives in fear. Together, we will rebuild what has been broken. Together, we will reclaim the institutions that were taken from us. And together, we will write a new chapter, one defined not by oppression, but by hope, progress, and freedom.
'Let this anniversary not be a day of retrospection, but a rallying cry for a brighter tomorrow. Bangladesh has overcome adversity before, and we will rise again, stronger, more united, and more determined to build a democracy that truly serves its people.
'I believe in you. I believe in Bangladesh. And I believe that our best days are yet to come.'
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