Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Thursday issued a strong New Year message, calling on citizens to unite to save the country from what she described as a growing descent into “darkness” under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

In a statement shared by the Awami League on social media platform X, Hasina accused the interim administration of driving Bangladesh toward instability through unchecked corruption, misinformation, and the prioritisation of personal interests over national welfare.

“May the New Year bring boundless harmony, happiness, and prosperity for all the people of Bangladesh,” Hasina said. “May it erase the sorrows and hardships of the past, correct mistakes and shortcomings, and become a memorable year for everyone.”

She reiterated her long-held vision of an inclusive Bangladesh, stating that the country must belong equally to all its citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, profession, social class, or colour. “This has been my deepest dream and lifelong aspiration,” she added.

Directly criticising the current leadership, Hasina said that those conspiring to harm the nation had already been exposed. “Dear countrymen, the masks and vile faces of the conspirators engaged in plots to destroy the country are now before you,” she said. “You have seen how illegal usurpers, holding the nation hostage, have pushed Bangladesh toward darkness through limitless corruption, falsehood, and intoxication with personal gain.”

Hasina warned that Bangladesh’s international standing has suffered significantly, claiming the country is now associated with fear rather than respect on the global stage. According to her, insecurity faced by foreign investors and donor agencies, combined with administrative chaos, has led to a sharp economic decline.

“The economy has collapsed amid uncertainty and disorder,” she said, adding that the erosion of confidence has made it increasingly difficult for Bangladesh to attract international investment and development support.

Calling for collective action, Hasina urged citizens to rise above political, social, and religious divisions to safeguard the nation’s future. “We must all come together to save the country from this journey into darkness,” she said. “As we welcome the New Year, let us renew our commitment to protecting the nation.”

She also expressed concern that Bangladesh’s national identity and the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan—which she said her government worked tirelessly to uphold and promote globally—are now being undermined.

Hasina recalled that during previous periods of crisis, the people of Bangladesh had repeatedly demonstrated resilience by standing united, setting aside differences of class, religion, language, and ethnicity to pursue a shared national vision.

Striking a note of optimism, she said she remains confident in the people’s resolve. “I firmly believe that the people of Bangladesh will not allow this suffering to continue indefinitely,” Hasina said. “In the New Year itself, we will witness a decisive outcome.”

Her message comes amid heightened political tensions in Bangladesh, with debates intensifying over governance, democratic legitimacy, and the country’s future direction.