The situation in Bangladesh is deteriorating. Cases of violence, vandalism and arson are being reported against minorities. Along with this, anti-India protests have also increased. Meanwhile, in the changed situation, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina targeted Yunus and said that violence has become common in the country due to the breakdown of law and order during Yunus’ tenure. Regarding anti-India protests, she said that these are not in the interest of the country. “Our prosperity and security depend on good relations with India”.
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country to India amid massive protests by students and others in Dhaka last year, told ANI about concerns over Islamist influence and security concerns. “I understand the concerns, and a large number of Bangladeshis do too. We want to be the safe, secular country we used to be,” she said. “Yunus has given key cabinet posts to extremists, while convicted terrorists have been released from jail, and many groups linked to international terrorist organisations have been allowed to play a role in public life.” She said of Yunus, “He is not a politician and has no experience in running a country. This situation should be a matter of concern not only for India but for every country that is invested in stability in the South Asian region. The secular character of Bangladeshi politics was one of our greatest strengths and we cannot allow it to be destroyed by the whims of a few foolish extremists.”
Regarding India’s northeastern states and the “Chicken Neck,” Sheikh Hasina said, “Such statements are extremely dangerous and completely irresponsible. They reflect the extremist elements that have gained influence through Yunus. No serious leader would threaten a neighboring country on which Bangladesh depends for trade, transport and regional stability.”
She said, “This rhetoric serves only ideological fantasy and not the national interest of Bangladesh. India has every right to view such statements with concern. Such voices do not represent the Bangladeshi people who understand that their prosperity and security depend on strong ties with India. Such reckless rhetoric will stop once democracy is restored and a responsible government returns to the country.”
Regarding the killing of youth leader Usman Hadi, Sheikh Hasina said, “This tragic murder also exposes the lawlessness that brought down my government and worsened under Yunus’ rule. Violence has become commonplace, while the interim government refuses to acknowledge it or fails to stop it. Such incidents destabilize Bangladesh internally and also damage relations with our neighbors.”
Deploring the violence against minorities, Sheikh Hasina said, “India sees this chaos, the oppression of minorities and the destruction of everything we have built together. When you cannot maintain basic order within your own borders, you lose credibility internationally. This is the reality of Yunus’ Bangladesh.”
Praising the shelter provided by India, Sheikh Hasina said, “I am happy and grateful that India is showing unity in extending its hospitality to me, and recently all political parties in India have also supported this view.”
