Exiled Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has announced a 21-point charter aimed at restoring democracy, the rule of law, and socio-economic stability in Bangladesh, calling on citizens to unite against what she described as a “killer-fascist” regime led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
In a statement to the nation, Hasina urged “patriotic Bangladeshis” to stand firm and protect the country from what she characterized as authoritarian rule, political persecution, and communal violence. “Rise up, brave Bengalis; stop Yunus, save the nation,” she declared.
The charter outlines measures to address what she called the country’s current economic collapse, political instability, and human rights crisis. Hasina alleged that since the August 2024 ouster of her elected government, Bangladesh has witnessed targeted killings, looting, arson, attacks on minorities, and the dismantling of democratic institutions.
Key demands in the 21-point plan include:
1. Removal of the interim government led by Dr. Yunus, with power returned to an elected administration.
2. Justice for political violence, including trials for alleged killings, arson, and persecution since August 5, 2024.
3. Restoration of civil liberties, freedom of the press, and an end to politically motivated arrests.
4. Protection of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s legacy and safeguarding the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War.
5. Reversal of administrative reshuffles seen as politically motivated, and reinstatement of officials and journalists removed from their positions.
6. Punishment for attacks on minorities and protection of religious freedom.
7. Economic recovery measures, including anti-corruption drives and steps to stabilize prices, create jobs, and attract investment.
8. Crackdown on militancy and prevention of foreign interference in domestic politics.
Hasina accused the current administration of “systematically dismantling the democratic state” and acting on behalf of foreign interests. She claimed that the post-August 2024 period has seen mass killings, politically targeted detentions, and destruction of public trust in governance.
The former premier’s announcement comes amid continuing allegations from human rights organizations of widespread abuses under the interim government. Ain o Salish Kendra has reported hundreds of killings in the days following the August 5 power shift, while minority advocacy groups have documented thousands of incidents of violence, arson, and looting.
Hasina called for the immediate mobilization of citizens, party members, students, and freedom fighters to “rescue Bangladesh from the grip of fascism” and restore the constitutional framework.
