New Delhi: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her first statement since her ouster, has demanded justice for the killings and vandalism that occurred during the violent protests in July. The statement, shared by her son Sajeeb Wazed and reported by Reuters, marks her return to the public eye after stepping down from her 15-year-long tenure as prime minister on August 5.In her statement, Hasina urged the nation to observe National Mourning Day on August 15 with dignity and respect, in memory of those who lost their lives during the unrest. “I appeal to you to observe the National Mourning Day on 15th August with due dignity and solemnity. Pray for the salvation of all souls by offering floral garlands and praying at Bangabandhu Bhaban,” she said.Hasinas fleeing to Bangladeshs current states Hasina expressed deep sorrow over the lives lost in the violent protests, which included students, teachers, police officers, journalists, and cultural workers. “Since last July, many fresh lives have been lost due to vandalism, arson, and violence in the name of agitation. I am condoling and praying for their souls,” she added.The former prime minister also condemned the destruction of the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman museum, calling it a gross insult to the legacy of Bangladeshs founding father. “The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman...has been grossly insulted. They insulted the blood of millions of martyrs. I want justice from the countrymen,” she stated.Hasina is currently in a secure location in India following her resignation and the subsequent formation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Meanwhile, a court in Bangladesh has opened a murder investigation into Hasina and six top figures from her administration over the police killing of a man during the recent civil unrest.
