Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has made startling revelations about the assassination attempts she narrowly escaped during her political career. In a recent audio message shared late Friday on the Facebook page of the Bangladesh Awami League, Sheikh Hasina disclosed how she and her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, narrowly avoided a fatal plot by just 20 to 25 minutes.
Sheikh Hasina recounted her experiences while living in Bangladesh, claiming that plots were orchestrated to kill her and her sister. She stated, “If I hadn’t left the country, I would have been killed. They even conspired to murder my sister.” Reflecting on her survival during the August 21 grenade attacks and the 2000 Kotalipara bombing, she added, “It was only by Allah’s will that I was saved. Perhaps, He wanted me to accomplish more.”
The August 21, 2004, grenade attack during an anti-terror rally in Dhaka remains one of the most deadly attempts on Sheikh Hasina’s life. The attack killed 24 people and injured over 500 others. Sheikh Hasina herself sustained minor injuries but escaped. In another incident in 2000, a 76-kilogram bomb was discovered in Kotalipara, where Sheikh Hasina was scheduled to address a rally. The bomb’s discovery averted what could have been a catastrophic tragedy.
Sheikh Hasina also mentioned the violent student protests in Bangladesh last year, which led to over 600 deaths. Protesters reportedly stormed her residence, further escalating fears for her safety. Speaking about the impact of these events, she said, “I had to stay far from my own country and my home.”
Her political career has been fraught with dangers and legal challenges. Despite surviving multiple assassination attempts, Sheikh Hasina has faced scrutiny for her government’s actions. Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal issued arrest warrants against her administration during her 15-year rule, accusing it of complicity in the disappearance of over 500 individuals. Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary of Bangladesh’s interim government, remarked, “Sheikh Hasina must face justice for crimes against humanity.”
These revelations highlight the perilous journey of Sheikh Hasina as a leader navigating the complexities of Bangladesh’s political environment. Her resilience in the face of persistent threats underscores her enduring presence as a prominent political figure in the country.
