Bangladesh Seizes Sheikh Hasina’s Family Assets Amid Political Upheaval
Dhaka, Bangladesh – The Bangladeshi interim government has seized properties and frozen 124 bank accounts linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family. This action comes after allegations of embezzlement and money laundering during her administration.
Sheikh Hasina, who led Bangladesh for 15 years, was ousted following a student-led revolution in July 2024. The uprising, driven by demands for political reforms and greater civil liberties, resulted in over 1,000 fatalities. In response, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was established to restore democracy and address systemic corruption.
The student leaders instrumental in the revolution have since formed the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) to dismantle the longstanding political dominance of figures like Hasina. The NCP advocates for a “second republic” with a new constitution and democratic governance.
However, the party’s leader, Nahid Islam, has expressed concerns about the feasibility of conducting elections by the end of 2025 due to ongoing unrest and challenges in restoring public safety.
The interim government continues to face significant hurdles, including rampant crime and rising Islamist influence. Efforts are underway to prosecute those involved in past human rights abuses and to attract foreign investment to stabilize the economy. The international community remains watchful as Bangladesh navigates this critical juncture in its pursuit of democracy and reform.
