Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina disclosed information about murder plans against both herself and her sister, Sheikh Rehana following her removal from office, An audio message uploaded on the Bangladesh Awami League’s Facebook page stated, “Rehana and I survived—just 20-25 minutes apart, we escaped death,” Hasina added.
Last year, a student-led revolt overthrew her administration after protests and skirmishes that lost over 600 lives, forcing the 76-year-old leader to escape to India. “I feel it is the will of Allah that I have survived—the August 21 grenade attack, the Kotalipara bomb plot, and now this recent threat. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be alive today,” she said emotionally.
Hasina had previously been the subject of an assassination plot; on August 21, 2004, a grenade attack occurred during an anti-terrorism rally in Dhaka, killing 24 people and injuring over 500 more. Hasina barely survived with only minor wounds. Similarly, she was supposed to speak at a rally in Kotalipara in 2000 when a 76 kg bomb was found there.
Hasina’s exile has been marked by intensified scrutiny. Prosecutors have accused her administration of kidnapping more than 500 people during her 15-year rule, and the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants against her for suspected enforced disappearances. “She must face justice for crimes against humanity,” said Shafiqul Alam, the interim administration of Bangladesh’s communications secretary.
