Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has referred to Sheikh Hasina as a fascist, claiming a revolution has taken place in Bangladesh. He asserted that the rule under Sheikh Hasina was oppressive, resulting in significant anger among the people of Bangladesh.
In an exclusive conversation with 'Aaj Tak', he criticized the narrative being constructed by Indian media regarding foreign powers' involvement in overthrowing Hasina, asserting there was no foreign power involved. He urged that India should have reconsidered before granting refuge to Sheikh Hasina. During Hasina's regime, about 6 million cases were registered against our party workers, and I was imprisoned 11 times. We supported the student movement.'
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Electoral alliances depend on circumstances
He stated, 'Hasina's government politicized all government institutions. The departure of Hasina has created an atmosphere of celebration in the country. All political parties are free to participate in the elections. BNP is a democratic party, and we have a constitution. Tarique Rahman (BNP Party Vice President) will return. Khaleda Zia is our leader; in her absence, Tarique is our leader.'
On the question of an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami, Alamgir said, 'BNP is a completely liberal, democratic party while Jamaat is committed to Islam. We are different parties and alliances depend on circumstances. Mutual relationships are more important to us.'
Sheikh Hasina should be held responsible
Mentioning India, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, 'India should not maintain relations with just one party of Bangladesh. India is our biggest neighbor. People's welfare should be the utmost priority. All countries should be our friends. Democracy should be allowed in Bangladesh, and Sheikh Hasina should be held accountable. Why is no one giving her refuge? India should think before giving refuge to Sheikh Hasina, as it will affect people's mutual relations.'
Also Read: Was the creation of Bangladesh in 1971 Indira Gandhi's blunder?
Alamgir dismissed incidents of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, stating that there has not been a single targeted case against minorities in Dhaka. He mentioned, '35% of the voters in my constituency were minorities, and nothing happened there. Self-serving groups are working against us. All investments will remain safe.' It's notable that BNP leaders met Indian diplomats during the oath-taking ceremony of the new interim government.
Where will Sheikh Hasina, residing in India, go?
Sheikh Hasina is currently in India, but it remains uncertain where she will go next. It is not yet clear whether she will stay in India, seek refuge in another country, or return to Bangladesh. Meanwhile, her son Sajeeb Wazed recently affirmed that as soon as democracy is reinstated in Bangladesh, his mother will return to her homeland.
Since fleeing Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina has not made any statements; however, her son Sajeeb Wazed has been continuously engaging with the media. He has thanked the Indian government for ensuring his mother's safety and expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also refuted reports suggesting that Sheikh Hasina has sought political asylum in the United Kingdom.
Formation of an interim government in Bangladesh
This past Thursday evening, Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government by President Mohammad Shahabuddin. After taking the oath, Yunus pledged to uphold, support, and protect the constitution.
The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus comprises 16 members, including anti-quota student leaders Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmood, both of whom led anti-reservation protests in Bangladesh.
