Sheikh Hasina Delivers Recorded Address to Journalists Covering UN General Assembly

OTN Bangla Desk: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina delivered a recorded political address aimed at journalists covering the United Nations General Assembly in New York, accusing the current Bangladesh government of political persecution, economic mismanagement and failing to protect minorities, women and children.

The address was presented in connection with an international press event titled “Bangladesh – Save The Country: People & Democracy”. According to people familiar with the event, there was no question-and-answer session with Hasina.

Hasina has been living in India since being ousted from power following the 2024 mass uprising. Her continued presence in India, and the use of Indian territory for political messaging, has remained a source of tension between Dhaka and New Delhi. Bangladesh has publicly sought her return, while bilateral relations have faced continuing strain over the issue.

In her recorded speech, Hasina said, “Our people are suffering, women and children have not been spared.” She cited a series of economic figures, claiming that Bangladesh’s GDP growth had fallen from 6.22 per cent in June 2024 to 3.14 per cent in June 2026, while poverty, unemployment and non-performing loans had increased significantly. These figures were presented as claims in her speech.

She sought to frame the economic figures in human terms, saying they represented families under pressure, workers without jobs, farmers struggling to afford agricultural inputs, mothers cutting back on meals for their children and graduates unable to find employment.

Hasina also referred to previous attempts on her life and portrayed herself as having survived repeated efforts to eliminate her politically and physically. She said, “They have tried to eliminate me several times. Each time, I survived. This time too, I have survived.”

The former prime minister also demanded that restrictions on the Awami League’s political activities be lifted. She called for the release of detained Awami League leaders and former lawmakers, the withdrawal of cases she described as fabricated, and an end to what she characterised as political persecution.

Hasina further accused supporters of the BNP and Jamaat of involvement in violence against Awami League members, minorities and civilians. Those accusations remain contested and were presented in the address as claims against political opponents.

She also called for international scrutiny of killings and legal measures introduced after the 2024 uprising, arguing that justice should be applied equally rather than selectively.

Her latest message came amid continuing diplomatic tension between Bangladesh and India over her presence there. Dhaka has said that resolving issues surrounding Hasina and other wanted individuals in India is important for improving bilateral relations, while Bangladesh has also sought to redefine its relationship with New Delhi on what it describes as mutual interests.

The New Indian Express