Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen, renowned for her outspoken critique of communalism, has voiced stark criticism of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent escape from Bangladesh amidst deadly student-led protests. Nasreen, who was exiled from Bangladesh in 1994, has highlighted the irony of Hasina’s situation, noting that the same Islamist factions that led to her own expulsion are now implicated in the turmoil forcing Hasina out of office.
In a recent online post, Nasreen remarked, “Hasina in order to please Islamists threw me out of my country in 1999 after I entered Bangladesh to see my mother in her deathbed and never allowed me to enter the country again. The same Islamists have been in the student movement who forced Hasina to leave the country today.”
Hasina in order to please Islamists threw me out of my country in 1999 after I entered Bangladesh to see my mother in her deathbed and never allowed me to enter the country again. The same Islamists have been in the student movement who forced Hasina to leave the country today.
— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) August 5, 2024
Hasina, who fled Bangladesh aboard a military plane, is expected to seek asylum in the UK. The dramatic turn of events followed one of the deadliest demonstrations in Bangladesh’s history, where nearly 100 protesters lost their lives in clashes with police. In the ensuing chaos, protesters breached the Prime Minister’s residence, prompting Hasina’s departure.
Nasreen also criticized Hasina’s tenure, accusing her of fostering the growth of Islamist forces and enabling corruption. She stated, “Hasina had to resign and leave the country. She was responsible for her situation. She made Islamists grow. She allowed her people to get involved in corruption. Now Bangladesh must not become like Pakistan. The Army must not rule. Political parties should bring democracy & secularism.”
Nasreen’s book “Lajja,” which faced a ban in Bangladesh, played a significant role in her expulsion due to death threats from fundamentalist groups. Despite the book’s global success, Nasreen has remained in exile, unable to return to her homeland.
On Monday, Bangladesh’s army chief announced the formation of an interim government in response to the escalating crisis. Later that day, Hasina landed at the Hindon Air Force base near Delhi, with plans to travel to London to seek asylum. Sources indicated that her plane was being refueled for the journey.
