DHAKA, Bangladesh - Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has broken her silence regarding the recent protests in Bangladesh that resulted in over 300 fatalities and ultimately led to her departure from the country. Through a statement released by her son Sajeeb Wazed on Tuesday, Hasina addressed the allegations against her and six other government officials, denying any involvement in the deaths.

The statement came hours after a Bangladeshi court ordered a murder investigation into Hasina and her government officials in connection with the death of a grocery shop owner during police crackdown on protesters on July 19. This marks the first legal case against the former prime minister, with more expected to follow.

Rizwana Hasan, a member of Bangladesh's interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, expressed support for a thorough investigation into the allegations. She emphasized the importance of ensuring justice for the victims and their families, stating, "For the sake of the victims, we can try to ensure that no delay takes place in the investigation of these allegations."

The student-led movement demanding Hasina's removal from power initially began as peaceful protests against job quotas favoring descendants of war veterans. However, violence escalated as loyalists of the former prime minister attacked protesters, followed by intervention from police and paramilitary forces, leading to numerous fatalities. This escalation transformed the protests into a widespread movement aimed at removing Hasina from power.

In her statement, Hasina attributed the protest-related deaths to "vandalism, arson and violence" instigated by "the movement," referring to the student-led protests. She also claimed that some fatalities resulted from "terrorist attacks." She further demanded a thorough investigation into these incidents and urged for the identification and punishment of those responsible.

Additionally, Hasina expressed her desire for justice after rioters burned down the house of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led Bangladesh to independence in 1971. The house had been converted into a museum. She highlighted the significance of this house as a symbol of her family's legacy and expressed her hope for justice from her fellow countrymen.

The former prime minister also referred to the assassination of her father and much of her family in their home during a coup on Aug. 15, 1975. She emphasized the emotional impact of the torching of her family home, stating, "And the memory that was the basis of our survival has been burnt to ashes."

In her statement, Hasina called upon Bangladeshis to observe Aug. 15, once a national day of mourning, with due dignity and solemnity. Her call comes after the interim government announced there would be no public holiday on Aug. 15, effectively preventing supporters of the former prime minister from gathering around her former family home.

With legal proceedings underway and further investigations expected, the situation in Bangladesh remains tense as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the protests and seeks justice for those affected.