Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered a powerful phone address to Awami League supporters gathered in Geneva amid a protest demanding an end to human rights violations in Bangladesh. The demonstration took place outside the United Nations Human Rights Commission headquarters, where expatriate Bangladeshis formed a human chain and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting ongoing atrocities.
“Dr Yunus has deliberately manipulated the law and undermined the constitution, meticulously seizing power in Bangladesh through calculated means, thereby illegitimately taking control of the government against the people’s mandate,” Hasina said to her party workers over phone calls.
Speaking via speakerphone, Sheikh Hasina termed the Government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, “illegal” and “unmandated by the people”. She accused Yunus of orchestrating a systematic crackdown on democracy, the rule of law and civil liberties throughout Bangladesh. “There is no democracy in Bangladesh, no rule of law. Innocent people are being jailed, and the people are left helpless,” Hasina said.
The protest was organised by Awami League Switzerland under the leadership of Nazrul Islam.
Islam told The Pioneer, “Our leader Sheikh Hasina’s address has strengthened our resolve. We have formally submitted our memorandum at the UN office, demanding immediate international action to stop the ongoing human rights violations in Bangladesh.”
Meanwhile, the Yunus-led administration has officially lodged a complaint with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) against Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of anti-Bangladesh activities while residing in India. The current government has also filed multiple corruption and criminal charges against the former Prime Minister. These cases are currently under investigation by several agencies, with legal proceedings ongoing in various courts across Bangladesh.