In her first comments since her flight from Bangladesh last week, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has demanded punishment for those involved in killing and acts of vandalism during the anti-quota protests last month.
A statement shared by her son Sanjeb Wazed read, “I appeal to you to observe the National Mourning Day on 15th August with due dignity and solemnity. Pray for the salvation of all souls by offering floral garlands and praying at the Bangabandhu Bhavan.”
The interim government under Mohammad Yunus has scrapped National Mourning Day, which marks the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, founder of Bangladesh and Hasina’s father. The decision was taken earlier on Tuesday at the meeting of the Council of Advisers, “based on broad consensus during discussions with political parties,” a statement from the council said.
“The father of the nation under whose leadership we have gained self-esteem as an independent nation, has been grossly insulted. They insulted the blood of millions of martyrs. I want justice from the countrymen.”
Back home Hasina’s countrymen are demanding justice for her actions. A court has opened a murder investigation into the ousted ex-premier and six of the top figures in her administration, over the killing of a man during the anti-quota protests.
The interim government is grappling with a host of issues including its inability to stop attacks on minority Hindus. The Home Affairs Adviser has apologised for being unable to protect the community. The deaths of at least two Hindu leaders affiliated to Hasina’s Awami League has been revealed and widespread destruction of their homes and businesses in 45 of 64 districts.
The total death toll in the violence so far is reported to have crossed 560 with around 230 killed in the last week alone.
