In a poignant virtual address, Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, condemned the recent attack on her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence in Dhaka, after it was set on fire by hundreds of protesters. Hasina, who fled Bangladesh in August 2024 amid a massive student-led uprising that brought an end to her 16-year reign with the Awami League, made her comments on social media, emphasizing the resilience of history in the face of destruction.

“Why fear a house?” Hasina asked, her voice tinged with emotion. “I seek justice from the people of Bangladesh. Have I not done enough for my country? Then why this disrespect?” Referring to the 32 Dhanmondi residence, a site central to Bangladesh’s independence struggle, she stressed that while the physical structure could be destroyed, the historical significance it holds could never be erased. “A structure can be erased, but history cannot be wiped out,” she asserted.

With a solemn tone, Hasina warned that history would eventually take its revenge. Her remarks followed a violent attack on the residence, which had been transformed into a museum during her tenure, a symbol of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence under her father’s leadership. On Wednesday night, a massive mob, reportedly incited by Hasina’s call for Awami League supporters to protest against the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, vandalized and set the house on fire.

Reflecting on her life’s struggles, Hasina recalled past assassination attempts and suggested a higher purpose for her survival: “If Allah has kept me alive through all these attacks, there must be some work left for me. Otherwise, how could I have escaped death so many times?” She insinuated that the recent political unrest, and particularly the violence against her family, was part of a calculated effort to eliminate her.

In a pointed accusation, Hasina named Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, alleging that he was at the center of a plot to kill her and her sister. She also criticized Yunus for his role in Grameen Bank, claiming she had helped fund its ventures with 400 crore Bangladeshi taka, only to see the money misused. “Bangladesh is suffering due to one man’s personal ambitions,” she claimed, blaming Yunus for the country’s current struggles.

Hasina also expressed concern for the young protesters, suggesting they were being manipulated by political forces. “At this age, it is easy to be misled,” she said, urging students to disengage from the ongoing protests. She also distanced genuine students from the violence that followed the quota movement, warning against the dangers of turning educational institutions into breeding grounds for political violence. “Don’t hand over your educational institutions to terrorists,” she cautioned.

Reflecting on governance issues since her departure, Hasina highlighted several concerns, including disruptions in the education system. She lamented that under her administration, students received their textbooks on time, but that no longer appeared to be the case. She also expressed worry over the perceived regression of women’s rights, particularly the growing restrictions on women’s participation in sports.

In addition, Hasina condemned the violence against police and Awami League supporters, describing it as an attack on law and order that was destabilizing the nation and undermining democratic governance.

Hasina’s address signals her intent to mount a political comeback. Her message was clear: she views herself as a survivor of multiple assassination attempts and believes a deeper conspiracy is at play. She called on the people of Bangladesh to reject any efforts to erase her family’s legacy and the contributions it made to the country’s liberation struggle in 1971.

As the situation in Bangladesh continues to unfold, Hasina’s words underscore the deep political divisions in the country and the ongoing battle for control and influence. With the Awami League aiming for a revival, the future of Bangladesh’s governance remains uncertain, and the legacy of its founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is at the center of a fierce political struggle.