The suspension of USAID funding to Bangladesh by the Trump administration has sparked intense political reactions, but for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, it serves as a validation of her stance against the interim government. Despite being in exile for eight months, Hasina remains a force to be reckoned with, using unconventional strategies to maintain her influence.

A senior Awami League leader, speaking anonymously, described the funding halt as an acknowledgment of the “truth” behind the interim government. Hasina's loyalists, spread across Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore, continue to stay connected with her via encrypted communication channels, ensuring a steady flow of directives and strategy discussions.

Reports suggest that over a dozen encrypted groups serve as a digital stronghold for the Awami League, allowing leaders and activists to operate under the radar. Hasina's ability to adapt to a decentralized leadership model underscores her resilience in the face of political turmoil.

The USAID funding cut, which was largely seen as a reprimand for democratic backsliding and labor rights issues, also weakens Nobel laureate and interim government chief Muhammad Yunus. Many civil society organizations linked to Yunus depend on international aid, and this financial disruption works in Hasina's favor, diminishing his soft power.

By leveraging this situation, Hasina is systematically rallying global support while maintaining her influence within Bangladesh. The political landscape remains volatile, but her ability to navigate challenges with strategic precision signals that she is far from defeated.