In a recent interview, a top aide of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made serious allegations regarding foreign involvement in Bangladesh’s political turmoil. Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, a former minister in Hasina’s cabinet, claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Clinton family were linked to a conspiracy aimed at facilitating Hasina’s ouster in 2024.
Allegations Against USAID and Political Interference
Chowdhury accused USAID of significantly influencing the political landscape in Bangladesh since 2018. He specifically noted the agency’s collaboration with various NGOs that, as he alleged, were orchestrating campaigns against Hasina’s government. The former minister stated, “Certain actions of some NGOs, especially from the US, for example, USAID, were running campaigns against our government for a while.”
Historical Context and Claims of a Nexus
These allegations are set against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between Bangladesh and the United States. Chowdhury recounted that his predecessor, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had previously resisted US demands regarding the strategic St Martin’s Island, a move that may have fueled ongoing tensions.
Sheikh Hasina’s Flight and Political Unrest
On August 5, 2024, Hasina fled Bangladesh amid escalating violence, shortly before a mob attacked her residence. This incident followed weeks of student-led protests in major urban centers, which were reportedly linked to unresolved job quota disputes. The unrest claimed the lives of at least 700 individuals during this tumultuous period.
Governance Shift and New Regime’s Direction
Following Hasina’s departure, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed control of the interim government. Chowdhury expressed his concerns regarding this political shift, highlighting a potential strategic pivot towards Pakistan, a country with a controversial history related to Bangladesh’s independence.
- Date of Hasina’s Flight: August 5, 2024
- Casualties in Unrest: At least 700 killed
- Key Figure: Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and interim leader
The Clinton-Yunus Connection
The former minister further detailed a long-standing relationship between the Clinton family and Yunus’s administration, suggesting a coordinated effort for regime change in Bangladesh. Chowdhury questioned the allocation of millions in USAID funds, hinting that they facilitated unrest rather than humanitarian assistance. He claimed, “The chaos was carefully planned with this money, and it turned into a big riot.”
USA’s Denial of Involvement
In response to Chowdhury’s claims, US officials have rejected any connection to the Bangladesh crisis, labeling the accusations as “laughable.” This ongoing friction illustrates the complex interplay of international relations, domestic politics, and humanitarian funding in Bangladesh.
