bangladesh prime minister sheikh hasina: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expressed displeasure over India’s support for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina fled Dhaka on Monday after being given a 45-minute ultimatum to step down, subsequently arriving in Delhi.
Addressing concerns that the BNP harbors anti-India sentiments, senior BNP leader and former Bangladesh minister Gayeshwar Roy emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and India. He noted that India’s actions should reflect this spirit of cooperation.
Referring to Hasina, Roy stated in an interview with The Times of India, “But when you support our adversary, it becomes challenging to uphold that mutual cooperation. Before the last elections, our former foreign minister said that India would assist Sheikh Hasina in returning to office.”
Roy further claimed that India is shouldering the “liability” of Hasina. He added that there is no inherent conflict between the people of India and Bangladesh. However, he questioned, “But should India support a single party rather than the entire nation?”
bangladesh prime minister sheikh hasina
When asked about the attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus in Bangladesh, Roy responded by highlighting the BNP’s commitment to the individual rights of all communities. He stressed that the BNP includes people from various communities, reflecting its inclusive stance.
Incidents of vandalism have occurred in several Hindu temples, homes, and businesses across the country, including in Dhaka. Notably, the residence of Rahul Ananda, the lead singer of the popular folk band Gaan, was also targeted, forcing the singer and his family to go into hiding.
Regarding concerns about terrorist elements in Bangladesh posing a threat to India, Roy dismissed these fears, stating, “India played a role in our independence… we cannot be against India.”
Meanwhile, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of Bangladesh on Thursday. Following this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations and urged Yunus to ensure the safety and protection of Hindus and other minorities in the country. Modi also reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with Bangladesh to achieve shared goals of peace, security, and development.