In a startling revelation, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has accused the United States of attempting to remove her from power. According to Hasina, the U.S. government has been pushing for her ouster due to her refusal to relinquish control of St. Martin’s Island, a strategically significant territory in the Bay of Bengal.

St. Martin’s Island at the Center of the Dispute

Sheikh Hasina’s allegations stem from her decision to maintain Bangladesh’s sovereignty over St. Martin’s Island, a small but strategically important island located near the border with Myanmar. Hasina claims that by holding onto the island, she prevented the U.S. from expanding its influence in the Bay of Bengal. The island’s control, she suggests, is crucial for maintaining regional stability and safeguarding Bangladesh’s interests.

Warnings Against Radical Influence

In her statement, which was conveyed through close associates, Hasina also urged Bangladeshi citizens to resist the influence of radical elements. She expressed concern that extremist groups might exploit the current political climate to incite violence and unrest. “I appeal to my people, please do not be swayed by the radicals. Do not resort to violence,” she said, emphasizing the need for peace and unity during these challenging times.

Hasina’s Decision to Step Down

According to a report published by the Economic Times, Sheikh Hasina revealed that she had made the difficult decision to step down from her position as Prime Minister to prevent further bloodshed. “I decided to resign because I did not want to witness a parade of corpses. They were determined to come to power over the bodies of our students, but I did not allow it,” Hasina stated. Her resignation, she claimed, was a necessary move to prevent greater loss of life and maintain stability in the country.

Plans to Return to Bangladesh

Currently in India, Sheikh Hasina assured her supporters that she would return to Bangladesh as soon as the situation allowed. “If I had stayed in the country, there would have been more casualties. I made the difficult decision to leave so that the lives of our people could be spared,” she explained. Hasina expressed deep sorrow over the violence and loss of life that her party, the Awami League, has endured, stating that her heart ached for the party members who have been killed or harassed in her absence. Despite the challenges, she remained confident that the Awami League would rise again, as it has done many times before.

“With Allah’s mercy, I will return soon. The Awami League has faced and overcome numerous challenges in the past, and I believe we will do so once more,” Hasina concluded, offering hope to her supporters amid the ongoing political turmoil.