Bangladesh has urged India to prevent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from making “false and fabricated” statements during her stay in the country, according to a statement from its foreign ministry. Hasina sought refuge in India in August after violent protests resulted in over 1,000 fatalities.
In a virtual address on Wednesday, she urged her supporters to oppose the interim government in Bangladesh, alleging that it had taken power unlawfully.
During her speech, thousands of demonstrators attempted to disrupt the event, leading to the destruction and arson of the residence of Mujibur Rahman, her father and the founding leader of Bangladesh. The unrest persisted even after Hasina concluded her remarks.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry delivered a protest note to India’s acting high commissioner in Dhaka, expressing “deep concern, disappointment, and serious reservations” regarding her statements, as posted on its Facebook page.
The ministry requested that India take immediate action, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and understanding to prevent her from making such incendiary and misleading remarks. Hasina was unavailable for comment.
While India has not publicly responded to Bangladesh’s communication, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the attack on Rahman’s home as an “act of vandalism.”
“Those who appreciate the freedom struggle that shaped Bangla identity and pride recognize the significance of this residence for Bangladesh’s national consciousness,” he stated. This house was where Rahman proclaimed Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971, and it was also the site of the assassination of him and most of his family in 1975. Hasina has since converted the building into a museum honoring her father’s legacy.
The chief adviser of the interim government, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, urged citizens on Friday to restore law and order and prevent further attacks on properties associated with Hasina’s family or members of her Awami League party. He stated, “Any assaults on their properties provide them with a reason to attract international attention and promote their distorted narratives… A decline in law and order sends an incorrect message to the global community.”
Bangladesh has been facing political turmoil since Hasina’s removal, with the interim government finding it challenging to uphold stability amid ongoing unrest. India and Bangladesh, sharing a 4,000-kilometer (2,500-mile) border, have deep-rooted cultural and commercial connections.
Additionally, India played a significant role in the 1971 conflict with Pakistan, which resulted in the establishment of Bangladesh.
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