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Bangladesh Urges India to Silence Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh asks India to stop ousted ex-PM Sheikh Hasina from making "false and incendiary" statements. India condemns vandalism at Hasina’s family home in Dhaka.
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-07
Bangladesh Urges India to Silence Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh's foreign ministry has formally requested India to prevent ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from making “false and fabricated” statements during her stay in the country.

The request was conveyed through a protest note handed to India's acting high commissioner in Dhaka on Thursday.

Hasina fled to India last year following violent protests that claimed over 1,000 lives.

In an online address on Wednesday, she urged her supporters to oppose Bangladesh's interim government, accusing it of seizing power unconstitutionally.

Escalating Violence in Dhaka

Ahead of Hasina's address, thousands of protesters gathered in Dhaka. The demonstration turned violent, culminating in the destruction and arson of the residence of Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s father and Bangladesh's founding leader.

The unrest persisted after Hasina's speech.

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry's statement expressed "deep concern, disappointment, and serious reservation" over Hasina's comments. It urged India to “immediately take appropriate measures” to prevent her from making such remarks.

India's Response

India's Foreign Ministry has not officially commented on Bangladesh's request. However, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the attack on Rahman's residence.

“It is regrettable … All those who value the freedom struggle that nurtured Bangla identity and pride are aware of the importance of this residence for the national consciousness of Bangladesh,” said Jaiswal.

The residence holds significant historical value as the site where Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971. Rahman and most of his family were assassinated there in 1975. Hasina had since transformed it into a museum.

Government Stance in Bangladesh

The office of interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus claimed the attack on Rahman's home was in response to Hasina's "violent behaviour."

“The government hopes that India will not allow its territory to be used for destabilising purposes in Bangladesh and will not allow Sheikh Hasina to speak,” Yunus's press office stated.

Continuing Unrest

Since Hasina's flight to India in August, Bangladesh has faced persistent political instability. The interim government has struggled to restore law and order amid ongoing protests.

India and Bangladesh, which share a 4,000-kilometre border and maintain deep cultural and business ties, are navigating a delicate phase in their diplomatic relationship as tensions rise.

 
Tagged:

SheikhHasina

PoliticalUnrest

IndiaBangladesh

DhakaViolence
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