“No More Protests, Time for Resistance,” Says Sheikh Hasina

Staff Reporter | April 16, 2025

Sheikh Hasina, Awami League president and former prime minister, has called on her party members and supporters to respond to attacks with retaliation.

“You’ve endured enough, no more. Don’t wait for further instructions. I’ve already given the directive—if slapped on one cheek, don’t offer the other. Strike back,” Sheikh Hasina said during a virtual meeting broadcast live on the party’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The session, held on Monday night, was part of her ongoing communication with party activists since leaving the country last year.

Recalling past adversities, including the August 21, 2004 grenade attack, Hasina urged her supporters to prepare for resistance, saying, “We’ve been patient before and rebuilt the country. But now they are trying to destroy those achievements. We won’t stand idly by anymore.”

She directed her followers to act immediately, stating, “Stop waiting for orders. I’ve given the directive—start working now.”

Hasina’s comments sparked widespread discussion in political circles, especially as this is the first time she has publicly advocated retaliation. Previously, such messages were shared privately via WhatsApp and Telegram groups.

Her remarks also came in response to alleged directives from the Yunus-led government to detain Awami League activists indiscriminately. Hasina criticized these measures as unjust and called for counteraction.

Despite the challenges her party faces, recent reports of flash protests and rallies across the country signal a resurgence of Awami League activities, with activists expressing readiness to resist.