Bangladesh’s Concerns Over Sheikh Hasina’s Statements
The Bangladesh government has officially urged India to prevent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from making “false and fabricated” statements while staying in India. This request highlights Dhaka’s concerns about political destabilization and growing unrest in the country.
The Background: Hasina’s Exile and Recent Controversy
Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh last year after violent protests led to the deaths of over 1,000 people.
On Wednesday, she delivered an online address, urging her supporters to resist the interim government, accusing it of unconstitutional governance.
Following her speech, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Dhaka, leading to violent clashes.
Attack on Mujibur Rahman’s Residence. Protesters set fire to the residence of Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina’s father and Bangladesh’s founding leader. Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry condemned the act and expressed disappointment over Hasina’s comments. India’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the attack an “act of vandalism” and emphasized Rahman’s historical significance.
Bangladesh’s Diplomatic Protest to India
The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry handed over a protest note to India’s acting High Commissioner in Dhaka.
The note requested India to stop Hasina from making “false, fabricated, and incendiary statements” against the interim government.
The Bangladeshi government reiterated that India’s territory should not be used for destabilizing activities.
India’s Response to the Situation
India has not yet officially responded to Bangladesh’s request.
However, the Indian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack on Mujibur Rahman’s residence.
India and Bangladesh share deep cultural, economic, and historical ties, including India’s support in Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war.
Bangladesh’s Political Struggle and Regional Implications
Since Hasina’s exile in August, Bangladesh has faced continued political unrest.
The interim government, led by Muhammad Younus, is struggling to maintain order amid ongoing protests
The instability in Bangladesh poses regional challenges, given the 4,000-kilometer border and strategic maritime connections in the Bay of Bengal.
The request from Bangladesh signals growing political tensions and concerns over external influence on its internal affairs. Whether India will intervene or maintain a neutral stance remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the situation in Bangladesh continues to evolve, with potential consequences for regional stability.
