On Thursday, December 19, the leaders of the German Awami League organized a Victory Day of Bangladesh celebration and protest meeting in Cologne, Germany. Virtually attending the event, Bangladesh Awami League President, Bangabandhu’s daughter, and the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, issued a stern warning to the current illegal and undemocratic Yunus government, stating, “Protests have been enough; now it’s time for resistance.”
Sheikh Hasina highlighted the ongoing nationwide murders, torture, and persecution of Awami League leaders, activists, and supporters under the directives of the Yunus government. She firmly stated, “My only message is that they have crossed all limits. It’s no longer the time to sit idly by. If attacked, resistance must be made. The people must be freed from the hands of this illegal government and their oppression.”
The pre-scheduled meeting, attended by expatriate Awami League leaders and activists, sought Sheikh Hasina to provide guidance and inspiration. Beginning her speech, she paid tribute to the martyrs, freedom fighters, and the sacrifices of the Biranganas (war heroines) of the Liberation War and conveyed her Victory Day greetings to the nation. She also expressed deep sorrow at the untimely demise of Anil Dasgupta, a senior European politician and the founding president of the All-European Awami League, offering condolences to his bereaved family.
Sheikh Hasina reaffirmed her government’s dedication to economic, social, and regional prosperity for the welfare of the people during her tenure. She reminded the audience of the sacrifices made for the right to food during the Pakistani era and compared it to the current loss of lives.
She accused the illegal Yunus government of dismantling the developmental progress and security of the people that her administration had achieved through numerous implemented projects. She said, “Under the incitement of Dr. Yunus, the country’s educational institutions are on the brink of destruction. Students associated with the Awami League family and Chhatra League are unable to study, which is extremely condemnable.”
Highlighting the heritage of the Chhatra League, Sheikh Hasina said, “Born in 1948, this organization has made immense sacrifices for the country and its people in every movement and struggle.” She accused the BNP-Jamaat alliance of destroying the lives of Chhatra League members under Yunus’s instigation.
She questioned, “How does Dr. Yunus have the audacity to propose banning Chhatra League? Who gave him this right?” Sheikh Hasina stated that over 2,000 Awami League and affiliated leaders and activists have been murdered.
Refuting allegations of resignation, Sheikh Hasina clarified that she is still the constitutionally elected Prime Minister under the people’s mandate. She accused Dr. Yunus of seizing power through meticulously planned conspiracies, terming his governance illegal and declaring that all decisions made by his administration are invalid.
Sheikh Hasina also criticized claims from Yunus about his extensive global connections. She challenged, “If his connections are so strong worldwide, it should be easy to produce evidence of corruption against me. Let them prove even a single taka of corruption. Despite their vast influence and resources, they have failed to bring forward any proof because none exists.” Referring to the false corruption allegations during the Padma Bridge project, she reminded the audience how international courts proved them baseless.
She reiterated her resolve to bring Dr. Yunus and his associates to justice, questioning whether the change in government led to reduced prices of essential commodities or sustained economic growth achieved during the Awami League tenure. She stated that the Yunus government is busy with looting and accumulating wealth.
Addressing the ongoing atrocities against Awami League activists, Sheikh Hasina instructed, “You asked for directions? This is my directive. We cannot endure torture any longer; we must liberate and rescue the people of the country.”
The meeting was presided over by German Awami League President Mizanur Haque Khan and moderated by General Secretary Mubarak Ali Bhuiyan and Vice President Nurjahan Khan Nuri. Awami League Joint General Secretary Hasan Mahmud also spoke as a special guest.