The United States has firmly denied allegations of its involvement in the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, which led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, who resigned amidst deadly protests, has recently fled the country.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the claims at a press briefing, stating, “We have had no involvement at all. Any reports or rumours that the US government was involved in these events are simply false,” according to Reuters.
Earlier, Hasina had accused the US of seeking to influence Bangladesh’s politics, particularly due to its interest in controlling Saint Martin Island in the Bay of Bengal, as reported by the Economic Times. This claim was relayed through her close associates, but Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, denied that his mother had made such statements, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that no such allegations were made.
Jean-Pierre reiterated the US stance, “We believe that the Bangladeshi people should determine the future of their government, and that’s where we stand.”
Following Hasina’s resignation, an interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus has been established with the goal of organising elections. The political unrest in Bangladesh began after student protests against government job quotas escalated, culminating in widespread demonstrations demanding Hasina’s removal.
Hasina had secured a fourth consecutive term in January, in an election widely criticised by the US State Department as neither free nor fair. After stepping down, Hasina went to New Delhi, bringing an end to her 15-year tenure as Bangladesh’s leader.
