US denies role in Sheikh Hasina’s ouster

Insight Online News

Washington, Aug 13 : The US has firmly denied allegations of its involvement in the removal of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power, media reports said on Tuesday.

“Any reports or rumours that the United States government was involved in these events is simply, simply false. That is not true,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

“This is a choice for and by the Bangladeshi people. We believe that the Bangladeshi people should determine the future of the Bangladeshi government, and that’s where we stand. Certainly, we will continue to say that any allegations as I have said here, are simply not true,” Jean-Pierre said.

Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5 amid widespread protests and subsequently fled to India.

Reports suggested she had accused the US of orchestrating the unrest due to Washington’s desire to establish a military base on Bangladesh’s Saint Martin’s Island.

Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy refuted media reports hinting that the former PM had issued statements blaming the US for her ouster.