‘He sold the nation to the US': Sheikh Hasina slams Muhammad Yunus, calls Awami League ban unconstitutional

The ousted leader also condemned the recent ban on the Awami League, calling it an unlawful assault on the nation's democratic foundation.

In a blistering attack on Bangladesh’s interim government, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused transitional leader Muhammad Yunus of “selling the country to the United States” and warned that the Awami League’s recent ban was both illegal and unconstitutional.

In an audio message posted on the official Facebook page of the Awami League, Hasina alleged that Yunus had taken control of the country with the backing of extremist groups and questioned his authority to amend the constitution or govern without an electoral mandate.

“He has seized power with the help of terrorists, groups that are banned internationally and against whom my government took strong action,” Hasina said. “Now, they’ve been released, and militants rule Bangladesh.”

Hasina, who was forced to step down in August 2024 following massive student-led protests, has been living in exile since. Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, was appointed head of the interim administration on August 7.

Tensions between the former prime minister and the transitional authority have escalated in recent weeks amid reports that Yunus has considered resigning following the military’s call for general elections in December.

Hasina further claimed that Yunus, despite gaining global recognition under her government, has handed over the reins of power to “terrorists,” undermining the sacrifices made during Bangladesh’s liberation struggle.

“My father never agreed to America’s demands regarding St. Martin’s Island. He paid for it with his life,” she said, referring to the country’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “I never imagined selling the country to cling to power. But what a misfortune, someone so celebrated in the world comes to power and hands it to militants.”

The ousted leader also condemned the recent ban on the Awami League, calling it an unlawful assault on the nation's democratic foundation.

“The constitution we earned through blood and struggle, what right does this so-called advisor have to touch it? He holds no mandate, no legitimacy, and that position (Chief Advisor) has no constitutional backing. Yet, he is banning parties, changing laws without a parliament. This is illegal,” she added.