Washington: The United States government has firmly denied allegations of its involvement in the recent protests in Bangladesh that resulted in the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the rumors, stating, “We have had no involvement at all. Any claims that the US government was involved in these events are simply false.” She emphasized that the future of Bangladesh’s government should be determined solely by its people.
Currently, Bangladesh is under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Jean-Pierre reiterated, “This is a choice for and by the Bangladeshi people. We believe they should determine their own government’s future.”
The US will continue to monitor the situation, particularly following protests outside the White House related to attacks on Hindu community members in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina’s exit. Jean-Pierre affirmed, “We are going to continue monitoring the situation,” noting that President Biden remains vocal on human rights issues.
In Bangladesh, Yunus, who recently assumed leadership of the interim government, praised the student-led movement that led to Hasina’s resignation. Yunus commended the students’ efforts, stating, “What you have done is absolutely unparalleled,” and accepted his role as interim leader as per their request.
The unrest began with student protests over job quotas and escalated into a mass movement demanding Hasina’s resignation, resulting in over 300 deaths. Hasina has since fled to India, marking the end of her 15-year rule.
