Hasina’s extradition key to new leaf in India-B’desh relations: Top BNP leader
Dhaka, August 31
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said it was crucial to start a new chapter in the India-Bangladesh ties, which should begin with the extradition of ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, as her continued presence in India could further damage bilateral relations.
2 new murder cases filed against ex-PM
Dhaka: Two new murder cases have been filed against Bangladesh's deposed PM Sheikh Hasina and her former cabinet ministers for the killing of three people, including two Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists, during the quota reform protests in the country, said media reports. With this, the tally of cases filed against Hasina has risen to 84, The Daily Star newspaper reported. PTI
The veteran leader, the second-in-command of the BNP, emphasised his party’s desire for strong relations with India, stating they were prepared to “move past previous differences and collaborate”. He also assured that the BNP would never permit any activities on Bangladeshi soil that could threaten India’s security.
Alamgir said if the BNP was voted to power, it would review and re-evaluate the “questionable” Adani electricity deal signed during the Awami League regime as it was putting “tremendous pressure” on the people of Bangladesh.
Claiming that it was a diplomatic failure on the part of New Delhi for failing to understand the psyche of the people of Bangladesh, Alamgir said even after the fall of the Hasina government following people’s uprising, the “Indian establishment is yet to reach out to BNP, even though China, the US, the UK, and Pakistan have already done so”. Alamgir asserted that the safety of minorities in Bangladesh was an “internal matter”, contending that reports of attacks on Hindus were “not accurate” since most incidents were politically motivated rather than communal. “If India doesn’t ensure the extradition of Hasina to Bangladesh, the relationship between the two countries will further decline,” he said.
“Hasina has to face the law of Bangladesh for the crimes and corruption committed by her and her regime. To enable this and respect the sentiments of the people of Bangladesh, India should ensure her return to Bangladesh,” he said.
After unprecedented anti-government protests that peaked on August 5, Hasina resigned as the prime minister and fled to India. Hasina’s presence in India for over three weeks has given rise to speculation in Bangladesh.
“We want to start a new chapter in the India-Bangladesh relations and ensuring the return of Hasina to Bangladesh will be a new leaf in the bilateral ties,” he said. “Hasina and the Awami League are both condemned here and standing by them will only worsen the perception of India in Bangladesh,” he said.
Alamgir said if India did not ensure the return of Hasina to Bangladesh, bilateral ties between the two nations would worsen.
“There is already anger against India, as it is seen as a supporter of the authoritarian regime of Hasina. If you ask anyone in Bangladesh, they will say that India did not do the right thing by giving shelter to Sheikh Hasina,” he said. “Now, if India doesn’t ensure the extradition of Hasina to Bangladesh, the relationship between the two countries will further decline,” he said.
On Friday, the spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, during a press briefing was asked if a formal request had been made from Bangladesh’s interim government for the extradition of Hasina, but he did not give a clear answer.
“The former prime minister of Bangladesh came to India at very short notice for safety reasons. We have nothing further to add on that matter. What you asked lies in the realm of hypothetical issues,” Jaiswal had said.
When asked about the ongoing “India out” campaign in Bangladesh, Alamgir said there is “palpable” anger against India, as it never bothered to establish a relationship with the people of the country but was content with its relationship with the Awami League only.
