New Delhi, November 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has raised concerns over what she described as increasing violence, economic hardship and the growing influence of extremist groups in Bangladesh, questioning whether the developments since the 2024 uprising have delivered the change sought by the younger generation.
In an exclusive audio interview with IANS, Hasina addressed young people who participated in the movement, asking whether they felt safer, had better employment prospects and could freely criticise those in power.
“Is this the Bangladesh you wanted? Is this the future you imagined when you took to the streets? Do you feel safe today? Are your mothers and sisters safe? Are you finding jobs and opportunities?” she asked.
Hasina also questioned whether citizens could express dissent without fear, pointing to violence, economic difficulties and the suffering of ordinary people as developments that, in her view, deserved serious scrutiny.
She said she did not blame students who joined the movement out of genuine conviction, but alleged that their emotions and aspirations had been exploited.
The former Prime Minister also referred to remarks by Muhammad Yunus, who headed the interim government, at the Clinton Global Initiative in the United States. Hasina recalled that Yunus had described the 2024 uprising as “meticulously designed” and spoken about those behind it.
According to Hasina, those remarks raised questions about how the movement unfolded and who ultimately benefited from it.
She urged young people to examine the actions of all those claiming to represent them and to speak openly about their experiences.
“Young people have every right to demand change, question their government and protest peacefully. But they also deserve to know the truth about what happened,” she said.
Hasina added that the younger generation should be able to reach its own conclusions without fear or pressure.
Emphasising their stake in the country’s future, she said she hoped they would inherit a Bangladesh where they could think freely, live safely and build their lives with dignity.
Her comments come as Bangladesh continues to navigate the political and social consequences of the 2024 uprising. The concerns about violence, extremism and economic conditions in the interview reflect Hasina’s assessment of the situation.
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