'Although I am suffering..': Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina alleges assassination attempts, blames political rivals

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has revealed a chilling account of an alleged assassination attempt targeting her and her sister, Sheikh Rehana. Following her removal from office amid widespread violent protests, Hasina fled to India and is currently staying at a confidential location.

In an emotional audio message shared on the Bangladesh Awami League’s official Facebook page, Hasina described narrowly escaping death alongside her sister. She recounted, “Rehana and I survived, just 20-25 minutes apart. I feel it is the will of Allah that I have survived multiple assassination attempts, including the August 21 grenade attack and the Kotalipara bomb plot.” Hasina expressed her belief that divine intervention has protected her through these perilous events.

Sheikh Hasina is no stranger to threats on her life. One of the most significant incidents occurred in July 2000 when a massive 76 kg time bomb was discovered just 50 feet from a stage where she was scheduled to speak in Kotalipara, Gopalganj. In another horrific attack on August 21, 2004, grenades were hurled at a rally of the Bangladesh Awami League in Dhaka, killing 24 supporters and injuring many others. These events, according to Hasina, are part of a coordinated effort by political opponents to silence her.

On August 5, 2024, Hasina resigned as Prime Minister and fled Bangladesh after her official residence was surrounded by angry demonstrators. She left the country aboard a Bangladesh Air Force transport aircraft, eventually landing at the Hindon Air Force Base in Ghaziabad, India. Reports suggest she was welcomed by Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and may seek asylum in the UK or a West Asian country.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s government has requested her extradition, citing arrest warrants issued by the International Crimes Tribunal over allegations of enforced disappearances during her 15-year rule. Hasina’s future remains uncertain as she navigates this tumultuous chapter of her life.