Bangladesh’s political turmoil deepened after former minister Mohammad Ali Arafat claimed that the death sentence given to ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was scripted. He said the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus staged a sham trial to sideline the Awami League.
Arafat alleged that Yunus and his supporters are pushing Bangladesh toward radicalisation. He accused them of working with “jihadist” forces and trying to reshape the nation into “East Pakistan”. He claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami members now influence key parts of the administration.
Hasina, 78, was sentenced to death in absentia for her crackdown on last year’s student protests. The verdict marked a dramatic turn in a career that started after she survived the 1975 coup. Critics often questioned her long rule, but many praised her for economic growth and support to Rohingya refugees.
Arafat also alleged that the upcoming national election, scheduled for February next year, is already rigged. He said the interim government plans to block the Awami League and other progressive parties.
Hasina fled to India after being ousted on August 5 last year. Yunus took charge three days later and vowed to punish her while barring her party from contesting the next polls.
