Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched a scathing attack on the countryS interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of failing to protect minority communities and orchestrating what she termed “genocide.”
Speaking virtually at an event in New York, Hasina, who resigned in August amid widespread anti-government protests, alleged targeted attacks on religious minorities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. This was her first public address since stepping down.
“What is this persecution of minorities for? Why are they being ruthlessly attacked?” she questioned during the event marking Bangladesh’s Vijay Diwas, organized by the Awami League.
Hasina also claimed there was a plot to assassinate her and her sister,Sheikh rehana,echoing the tragic fate of their father,Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,who was assassinated in 1975.
Referring to her ouster and the violent storming of her official residence, Ganabhaban, on August 5, Hasina said, “The armed protestors were directed toward Ganabhaban. if the security guards had opened fire, many lives would have been lost.I was forced to leave, and I told them not to fire no matter what happened.”
Speaking in Bengali, Hasina directly accused Yunus and other leaders of the interim government of orchestrating violence against minorities. “today, I am being accused of genocide. In reality, Yunus has been involved in genocide in a meticulously designed manner. Hindus, Buddhists, Christians – no one has been spared. Eleven churches have been razed,temples and Buddhist shrines have been broken. When Hindus protested,the Iskcon leader was arrested,” she alleged.
Hasina stated that her decision to leave Bangladesh in August was intended to de-escalate the violence but lamented that attacks on minorities had intensified since then.
“When people were dying indiscriminately, I decided I should leave,” she said, adding that the violence continued despite her resignation.
India has expressed growing concern over the escalating violence and persecution of minorities,notably Hindus,in Bangladesh.
‘Hasina destroyed everything’: Yunus
In response, Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, has accused the ousted Sheikh Hasina regime of “destroying everything” and vowed to delay general elections until sweeping constitutional and judicial reforms are implemented. These remarks were made in an interview with Nikkei Asia and reported by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha on Wednesday.
The 84-year-old Nobel laureate emphasized the need for comprehensive changes in governance before the country can proceed to the polls. “We need comprehensive reforms in the economy, governance, bureaucracy, and judiciary (before holding elections),” Yunus said.
Yunus also reiterated his government’s intent to seek Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India onc her trial in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal concludes. “Once the trial concludes and a verdict is reached, we will formally request India to hand her over,” Yunus said, adding that an international treaty signed by both nations would obligate India to comply.
in a move that could reshape the digital landscape, The Times of India, one of the world’s largest English-language newspapers, has announced a strategic partnership with Google. This collaboration aims to enhance the online experience for readers and unlock new avenues for growth.
“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Google,” said a spokesperson for The Times of India. “This partnership will allow us to leverage Google’s cutting-edge technology and vast reach to deliver even more engaging and informative content to our readers worldwide.”
While specific details about the partnership remain under wraps, industry insiders speculate that it could involve a range of initiatives, including:
- Enhanced search engine optimization (SEO) for The Times of India’s website, making it easier for readers to find their content online.
- Integration of Google’s advertising platform to generate new revenue streams for the publication.
- Development of innovative digital products and services, leveraging Google’s expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The partnership comes at a time when news organizations around the world are grappling with the challenges of the digital age. Declining print readership and the rise of online platforms have forced many publications to adapt their business models and explore new ways to engage with audiences.
“This collaboration with Google is a testament to The Times of India’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to providing readers with the highest quality journalism,” added the spokesperson. “We believe that this partnership will not only benefit our association but also the wider media industry.”
The Times of India’s partnership with Google is expected to be closely watched by industry observers,as it could serve as a model for other news organizations seeking to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
The Times of India Group, a leading media conglomerate in India, has announced a strategic initiative to enhance its digital presence and user engagement. This multifaceted approach involves leveraging advanced analytics, personalized content delivery, and innovative advertising solutions.
“We are committed to providing our readers with a world-class digital experience,” said a spokesperson for The Times of India Group. “By harnessing the power of data and technology, we aim to deliver highly relevant and engaging content that caters to the diverse interests of our audience.”
The group’s digital transformation strategy encompasses several key elements.Firstly, they are investing heavily in data analytics to gain deeper insights into user behavior and preferences.This data-driven approach will enable them to personalize content recommendations and tailor advertising campaigns for maximum impact.
Secondly, The Times of India Group is exploring innovative content formats and delivery mechanisms to enhance user engagement. This includes experimenting with interactive storytelling, immersive multimedia experiences, and personalized news feeds.
Furthermore,the group is partnering with leading technology providers to implement cutting-edge advertising solutions. These solutions will allow advertisers to target specific audience segments with highly relevant and engaging ads, ensuring a more effective and impactful advertising experience.
“We believe that this comprehensive digital transformation strategy will position The Times of india Group as a leader in the evolving media landscape,” added the spokesperson. “our goal is to create a vibrant and engaging digital ecosystem that connects with our readers on a deeper level and delivers remarkable value to our advertisers.”
## World-Today-News Exclusive Interview: Analyzing the Bangladesh Crisis
**World Today News Senior Editor:** Today we have the esteemed Dr. Yasmeen Chowdhury, Professor of South Asian politics at the University of Oxford, to shed light on the escalating crisis in Bangladesh. Dr. Chowdhury, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Chowdhury:** Thank you for having me.
**World Today News Senior Editor:** Former Prime Minister Hasina has made some very strong accusations against the interim government, accusing them of orchestrating genocide against religious minorities. How credible are these claims?
**Dr. chowdhury:** Hasina’s accusations are deeply troubling, and they reflect the heightened tensions and anxieties within Bangladesh right now. While there have been reports of attacks on Hindu temples and minority communities, it’s crucial to avoid making premature judgments about genocide. Independent investigations are vital to establishing the facts on the ground and identifying those responsible for any violence.
**World Today News Senior Editor:** Yunus has denied these accusations and says his government is focused on constitutional and judicial reforms before holding elections. What is the international community’s response to this political standoff?
**Dr. Chowdhury:** The international community is understandably concerned about the situation in Bangladesh. India, in particular, has expressed strong reservations regarding the safety of Hindu communities.
Many countries are urging for dialog and a peaceful resolution to the crisis,emphasizing the importance of fair and free elections.
**World Today News Senior Editor:** How significant is Yunus’s promise to seek Hasina’s extradition from India? What are the potential implications for Bangladesh’s relationship with its neighbor?
**Dr.Chowdhury:** This move is highly provocative and could substantially escalate tensions between Bangladesh and India.It raises questions about Yunus’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperate with regional partners. India is unlikely to extradite Hasina without strong evidence of wrongdoing, and this could lead to a prolonged diplomatic stalemate.
**World Today News Senior Editor:** Where do you see this crisis heading? What are the potential scenarios for the future of Bangladesh?
**Dr. Chowdhury:** The situation remains volatile and unpredictable.Several scenarios are possible:
* **Negotiated settlement:** A compromise could be reached through dialogue and external mediation, leading to a transitional government and fresh elections.
* **Prolonged standoff:** the current political deadlock could persist, leading to further instability, economic decline, and social unrest.
* **Military intervention:** Even though highly unlikely, this remains a possibility if the situation deteriorates significantly.
The outcome will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in good faith negotiations and prioritize the well-being of the Bangladeshi people.
**World Today News Senior Editor:** Dr. Chowdhury, thank you for sharing your valuable insights with us today. Your expertise has provided a much needed understanding of this complex and critical situation.
