Before resigning as Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina wanted to address the nation amid widespread violent protests by students. In her undelivered speech, Hasina accused the United States of a role in plotting a regime change in Bangladesh.
Hasina, who is currently in India, fled Bangladesh on August 5 amid violent protests across the country. After her ouster, an interim government headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been formed to lead the nation till elections are held in Bangladesh.
Hasina, 76, mentioned in the letter that she would have remained in power if she had given "Saint Martin and the Bay of Bengal to America." Saint Martin Island is located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal.
“Please do not be used by radicals,” read the letter.
She also mentioned that she resigned so that she does not have to see a "procession of dead bodies".
The widespread protests, which initially began as a quota reform movement later turned to be violent demanding Hasina's resignation. Around 300 people died in the protests that erupted in the country last month.
Hasina said that if she had stayed on, more lives would have been lost and more wealth would have been destroyed.
Never called students 'Razakars'
While addressing the students, Hasina explained that she has never called the protesting students Razakars, which is used as a derogatory remark in Bangladesh. She said her words were distorted and urged the students to watch the full video of that day.
During a press conference on July 14 at her residence, Hasina was alleged to have said, "If the grandchildren of freedom fighters do not receive (quota) benefits, who would get it? The grandchildren of Razakars?"
She also mentioned in the letter that she would return to her country soon.
The US and Bangladesh had strained ties during Hasina's reign. When the Awami League returned to power in the Bangladesh elections held in January, the US alleged that it was not a "free or fair" election.
With the interim government taking over, the top priority of the government would be to bring the economy back on track.
Talking to reporters finance and planning adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said restoring the trust of common people in the banks while resuming the operations of the central bank.
