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Kolkata: Bangladesh’s turbulent political landscape has only grown more volatile following the death sentences handed down to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her former home minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, by the International Crimes Tribunal. The ruling has poured fuel on an already intense situation marked by anti-reservation protests, street unrest and months of political uncertainty since the collapse of the Hasina government.
Speaking to TV9 Bangla in an exclusive virtual interview from hiding, where he has remained for nearly 18 months, Kamal launched a blistering attack on the interim administration and its foreign backers. He claimed last year’s student-led quota reform movement was not organic but aided by outside forces, and alleged that Pakistan has been exerting influence over Bangladesh’s current political structure.
Reacting to the death sentence, Kamal said the outcome had long been anticipated.
“We knew what the verdict would be,” he said. “The people of Bangladesh also know what this judgment means. They will never accept it. Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, transformed the country. Under her leadership Bangladesh became a better nation, and now she has been sentenced to death.”
Kamal claimed there had been multiple assassination attempts on Hasina over the years, including bomb and grenade attacks outside the Awami League office.
“She survived 19 attempts on her life,” he said. “Those efforts failed, but the threats were real.”
The former home minister alleged that Pakistan played a role in last July’s student protests and is now influencing key decisions within Bangladesh.
“Of course there were many players, but Pakistan was clearly involved,” Kamal said. “After the interim government took charge, Pakistan openly said it had taken revenge for 1971. Today Pakistani military officials and the ISI are influencing decisions. Militants we detained have been freed and regrouping efforts are under way.”
Reflecting on India’s role in Bangladesh’s liberation, Kamal said he would never forget India’s support as a freedom fighter. He appealed to New Delhi to raise its voice diplomatically against what he described as the rise of an undemocratic, militant-backed administration.
“India has always stood by Bangladesh in difficult times. We want India to speak up, because what is happening now is unjust,” he said.
Despite remaining underground for more than a year, Kamal said his heart remains in Bangladesh and insisted he will not be deterred by the tribunal’s verdict. He ended the interview with a note of defiance: “Our people have risen. We will definitely return home.”
