‘Calling for Dialogue Changed the Nature of the Movement; Killings, Arson, and Looting Began’

20th Saun, Kathmandu – Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh who went into exile in India during the 2024 student movement, has claimed that the movement did not start suddenly. Speaking publicly for the first time on Wednesday since leaving the country two years ago, Hasina stated that the movement was carried out according to a plan. She also revealed that while the student movement was ongoing, she, as Prime Minister, initiated efforts for dialogue herself. “I personally took the initiative to invite the students to the Prime Minister’s residence, Ganabhaban,” she said at the press conference, adding, “Three ministers also went to negotiate with the students.”
However, Hasina said that false propaganda was deliberately spread. “The sentiments of the students were exploited. Meanwhile, some organized groups used their movement as a basis for violence and to attempt a change of power,” she explained. “It was not a suddenly emerged student campaign. There was no clear leadership to demonstrate and respond. It was directed from behind the scenes,” she added.
She revealed that after July 15, the nature of the student movement changed and became violent. “Killings, arson, attacks, and looting began,” Hasina said. “Public property was damaged, Bangladeshi television was attacked and set on fire.” She also mentioned organized attacks on law enforcement bodies and agencies. “Police officers and other officials were killed. Their bodies were thrown from flyovers,” she informed journalists.
During this period, more than 460 police stations were attacked, numerous police outposts were burned, and weapons were looted, Hasina reported. “Many police officers were trapped inside during the arson and were severely beaten,” she added. Hasina presented figures indicating that nearly 3,000 police officers were killed in the entire series of events. “They were attacked, tortured, and killed in a highly violent manner,” she stated during the press conference.