In a recent revelation, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the United States of engineering her removal from power and the country after she refused to cede sovereignty of St. Martin Island. The tiny island, located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal and spanning only three square kilometers, holds significant geopolitical importance. Hasina's claims shed light on a hitherto undisclosed aspect of her resignation and subsequent departure from Bangladesh.

During an interview, Hasina expressed her reasons for stepping down, stating, "I resigned so that I did not have to see the procession of dead bodies. They wanted to come to power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow it. I resigned from premiership." She further revealed that the United States had demanded the surrender of St. Martin Island's sovereignty, which would have granted them control over the strategically crucial Bay of Bengal.

Hasina emphasized that she had chosen to prioritize the lives of her people over her own hold on power, stating, "I could have remained in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal. I beseech to the people of my land, please do not be manipulated by radicals... Maybe, if I had stayed in the country, more lives would have been lost. I have removed myself. You were my strength, you did not want me, so I have left."

This marks the first time that Hasina has spoken publicly about the events leading to her resignation and subsequent departure to New Delhi. The strained relations between Washington and Dhaka were evident during Hasina's fourth consecutive term victory in January, with the U.S. State Department refusing to accept the election results, citing concerns regarding their fairness and lack of freedom.

Adding to the growing tensions, reports emerged on August 11th that several U.S. senators were urging the White House to impose sanctions on officials who served under Hasina, citing allegations of humanitarian abuses. Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Van Hollen, stated, "The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we're calling upon the administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh." The demand was supported by five other congressional Democrats, who sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging sanctions on the mentioned officials.

The allegations and revelations made by Sheikh Hasina have sparked fresh debates and raised questions about the complexities of power dynamics in the region. As the controversy continues to unfold, the international community will closely observe the developments and their impact on the geopolitical landscape in the Bay of Bengal.