Bangladesh Protests Against ‘False’ Statements by Exiled Sheikh Hasina, Urges India to Act

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a "strong protest" with the Indian government over what it claims are "false and fabricated statements" made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ministry accused Hasina, who is currently in exile in India, of inciting instability in Bangladesh through her remarks on social media and other platforms.

Bangladesh’s Official Protest to India

In a formal protest note delivered to India’s acting High Commissioner in Dhaka, Bangladesh expressed "deep concern, disappointment, and serious reservations" about Hasina’s alleged statements.

• The ministry stated that her remarks are "hurting the sentiments of the people" of Bangladesh.
• It further characterized her actions as hostile, warning that they are damaging efforts to maintain healthy bilateral relations.

In an official Facebook post, the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the Indian government to immediately intervene and stop Hasina from spreading what it termed as false, fabricated, and incendiary statements.

Growing Tensions: Attack on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Residence

This diplomatic protest comes at a time of heightened political turmoil in Bangladesh.

• On Wednesday, a mob vandalized the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding leader and Hasina’s father.
• According to local media reports, protesters stormed the premises, set fire to parts of the house, and demanded a ban on the Awami League, Hasina’s long-dominant political party.

Sheikh Hasina’s Exile in India

Sheikh Hasina, 77, has been living in India since August 5, 2024, after fleeing Bangladesh in the wake of massive student-led protests. The demonstrations, which escalated nationwide, ultimately toppled the Awami League’s 16-year rule.

Following her departure, the Bangladesh government formally requested her extradition, a demand that India has not yet publicly responded to.

Diplomatic Implications

The latest developments pose a significant test for India-Bangladesh relations, as Bangladesh continues to push for greater action against Hasina. India, a key regional ally, now faces a delicate diplomatic balancing act between maintaining its longstanding ties with Dhaka and handling the sensitive issue of Hasina’s presence on Indian soil.

With Bangladesh’s political crisis deepening, how India chooses to respond to this latest protest could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and bilateral cooperation.