Washington: The United States has denied any involvement in the recent ousting of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned and fled the country amid escalating unrest. The White House dismissed allegations of U.S. interference as “simply false”.
“We have had no involvement at all. Any reports or rumors that the United States government was involved in these events are simply false,” stated White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre during a press briefing on Monday. Her comments came in response to claims that the U.S. played a role in Hasina’s departure.
On Sunday, a report in India’s Economic Times newspaper suggested that Hasina had accused the U.S. of orchestrating her ousting to gain control over Bangladesh’s Saint Martin Island in the Bay of Bengal. The newspaper cited sources close to Hasina who reportedly conveyed this message.
However, Sajeeb Wazed, Hasina’s son, refuted these claims in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that his mother never made such accusations.
Also Read | US Prepares for ‘Significant’ Iran Attack on Israel, Possibly ‘This Week’
“We believe that the Bangladeshi people should determine the future of the Bangladeshi government, and that’s where we stand,” the White House reiterated.
Following Hasina’s departure, an interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on Thursday, tasked with overseeing the upcoming elections.
Also Read | Philippines Denounces Chinese Air Force Actions in Scarborough Shoal as ‘Coercive, Aggressive, Deceptive’
Bangladesh has been gripped by demonstrations and violence, which intensified after student protests against government job quotas escalated into a broader movement demanding Hasina’s resignation. Despite winning a fourth consecutive term in January, Hasina’s victory was marred by controversy, with the opposition boycotting the election and the U.S. State Department declaring it neither free nor fair.
Hasina fled to New Delhi after leaving Bangladesh, ending her uninterrupted 15-year rule.
