Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has revealed details of an alleged assassination plot against her and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, after her ousting from power. “Rehana and I survived—just 20-25 minutes apart, we escaped death,” Hasina said in an audio message posted on the Bangladesh Awami League‘s Facebook page.
The 76-year-old leader was ousted from power, fleeing to India last year after a student-led revolution toppled her government amid protests and clashes that claimed over 600 lives.
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Reflecting on the events, Hasina alleged a coordinated conspiracy to eliminate her and described surviving multiple assassination attempts as a divine intervention.
“I feel it is the will of Allah that I have survived—the August 21 grenade attack, the Kotalipara bomb plot, and now this recent threat,” she said emotionally. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be alive today.”
This is not the first time that there has been an assassination plot against Hasina the August 21, 2004, grenade attack, which targeted Hasina during an anti-terrorism rally in Dhaka, killed 24 people and injured over 500. Hasina narrowly escaped with minor injuries. Similarly, in 2000, a 76kg bomb was discovered in Kotalipara, where she was scheduled to address a rally.
Hasina’s exile has been marked by intensified scrutiny. Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants against her for alleged enforced disappearances during her 15-year rule, with prosecutors accusing her administration of abducting over 500 individuals. “She must face justice for crimes against humanity,” stated Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Bangladesh’s interim government.
Bangladesh cancels Hasina’s visa
Meanwhile, Dhaka has formally requested her extradition from India. The extradition treaty between the two countries lacks a clear timeline, leaving her fate uncertain. The government has hinted at building international pressure to ensure her trial.
Hasina, however, maintains her defiance. “Although I am without my country and my home, I believe Allah’s mercy has kept me alive for a reason,” she said tearfully, reaffirming her resilience amidst growing challenges.
The Bangladesh interim government in response to reports of India extending the visa of Hasina had earlier clarified that visa matters are irrelevant once a passport is canceled.
The Bangladesh government had revoked the passports of 97 individuals, including Hasina, for alleged involvement in protests-related crimes. foreign ministry spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam confirmed passport cancellations are shared with diplomatic missions.