Dhaka: Senior Supreme Court lawyer Mohsin Rashid has made explosive allegations regarding the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the role of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in the current interim government.
Speaking at a recent television talk show, Rashid claimed that Hasina’s ouster was not the result of a spontaneous mass movement but rather a “well-orchestrated international conspiracy.” He further alleged that Dr. Yunus was “fully involved” in the plot and went so far as to describe him as the “real fascist.”
‘Hasina Not a Fascist Anymore’
“I have opposed Sheikh Hasina’s government many times, but I am no longer willing to call her a fascist,” Rashid said during the program. “After observing Dr. Yunus’ actions, I now believe Yunus is a bigger fascist. The real fascist is Yunus.”
He alleged that Dr. Yunus was “not partially, but one thousand percent involved” in the conspiracy to remove the Hasina government.
Allegations of Foreign PR Firm Involvement
Rashid claimed that a Europe-based representative of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Barrister Abu Bakar Molla, had admitted that Dr. Yunus hired a foreign public relations (PR) firm as part of the alleged conspiracy. He further alleged that several student leaders and others inside the country were involved.
According to Rashid, individuals involved in the communications used pseudonyms. “When the conspirators communicated, Nahid was not addressed as Nahid. He was given code names like ‘Allen’ or ‘Nasim.’ Asif and Rizwana were also involved in the conspiracy,” he claimed, without presenting documentary evidence.
Dispute Over Interim Government Formation
Referring to events surrounding the formation of the interim administration, Rashid alleged that upon returning to the country, Dr. Yunus was handed a proposed list of advisers at the airport lounge. “He sat there, crossed out the names, tore up the list, and told the Army Chief, ‘This will not be an army-backed government,’” Rashid said.
He claimed this incident led to strained relations between Dr. Yunus and the military establishment.
President’s Position and Constitutional Concerns
Rashid also alleged that attempts were made to remove President Mohammed Shahabuddin but were unsuccessful due to what he described as “one thousand percent backing” from the armed forces.
“If there had been no military backing, they would have removed him,” Rashid asserted.
He criticized Dr. Yunus for allegedly undermining the presidency, stating, “The president is not an individual; it is a major constitutional institution. But Dr. Yunus has undermined that institution.” He further alleged that Yunus has been issuing ordinances and appointing judges while bypassing constitutional procedures.
Legitimacy of the Twelfth Parliament
Rashid described the Twelfth National Parliament as a “legitimate government,” claiming that student coordinators and political parties had accepted it at the time. He argued that the administration was later targeted through international maneuvering.
The remarks have sparked widespread discussion across political circles and social media platforms. There has been no immediate response from Dr. Yunus or representatives of the interim government regarding the allegations.
