Sheikh Hasina Issues Stern Warning: “Enough Protests, Time for Resistance”

In a strong statement, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina declared that while protests have been numerous, it is now time to move towards resistance against the oppression and persecution faced by Awami League leaders and activists across the country under the Yunus government.

On December 19th, during a meeting with German Awami League leaders, Sheikh Hasina emphasized that the ongoing attacks, torture, and repression are taking place under the direct orders of the Yunus government. She sternly warned, “I have one message: they have crossed all boundaries, and there is no time left to sit idle. When an attack comes, we must resist. We must free the people of this country from this illegal government and the oppression they are inflicting.”

The meeting, held virtually by Sheikh Hasina with Awami League leaders and workers from Germany, also addressed several pressing issues. In her speech, Hasina started by paying tribute to the martyrs, freedom fighters, and women of the Liberation War, wishing the nation on the occasion of Victory Day.

She highlighted the progress made during her time in office, focusing on economic, social, and regional development for the welfare of the people. She reminded the audience that, just as the people of Bangladesh sacrificed their lives during the Pakistani regime for basic rights like food, they are now sacrificing their lives once again under the current government.

Hasina pointed out that the plans she had set in motion for building a prosperous and developed Bangladesh had been thwarted by the illegal Yunus government. The country’s economic and social security, which had been flourishing, has now been destroyed, she said.

She also criticized Dr. Yunus for inciting the destruction of the country’s educational institutions, stating that education was now in a complete crisis due to his actions. She condemned the current situation where students affiliated with the Awami League and Chhatra League were unable to pursue their studies due to political violence.

She reminded the audience of the history and sacrifices of the Chhatra League, which was founded in 1948 and has contributed immensely to the country’s struggles. However, under Dr. Yunus’s instigation, the lives of Chhatra League members have been destroyed by the combined efforts of BNP and Jamaat.

She raised a critical question, asking how Dr. Yunus had the authority to ban Chhatra League, and who had granted him such power.

Sheikh Hasina also revealed that more than 2,000 Awami League leaders and activists have been killed under the current government. Addressing the issue of her resignation, she countered false media reports, stating, “I have not resigned. I am still the constitutionally elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh.”

Hasina further criticized Yunus for forcibly seizing power without the people’s mandate and engaging in illegal activities to maintain his position. She vowed to bring Dr. Yunus and his collaborators to justice in Bangladesh.

At one point in her address, she asked the nation whether the price of goods had decreased after the change of government, whether the economic growth achieved under the Awami League had been maintained, and whether the standard of living for the people had improved under the Yunus government. She argued that the Yunus government lacked the ability to continue the development achieved under the Awami League and was more focused on looting and enriching themselves.

Addressing the widespread arrests, torture, and oppression occurring across the country, Sheikh Hasina asserted that these atrocities could not continue. She called for an end to the harassment of government employees and for the release of detained party members.

Hasina also challenged Dr. Yunus over corruption and money laundering allegations. “I challenge you, Yunus, with your vast connections and power worldwide, to find out where I have laundered any money,” she said, recalling the baseless corruption allegations made during the Padma Bridge project, which were later proven false in international courts.

The leaders of the German Awami League raised concerns about the ongoing brutalities against Awami League activists. In response, Sheikh Hasina urged them to take action and resist, saying, “If you want my direction, here it is: enough of taking beatings, now we must fight back. We must rescue the people of this country.”

She concluded her address by urging party leaders and activists to unite and build resistance against all forms of oppression and repression.