Amid the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reacted fiercely to statements concerning India's northeastern 'Chicken Neck' corridor. She clearly stated that such remarks are 'dangerous and irresponsible,' reflecting the rising influence of radicals under the current interim government.
Sheikh Hasina remarked, 'Such statements are perilous and reckless, highlighting the extremist elements empowered during Yunus's era.' She stressed that no sensible and responsible leader would threaten a neighboring country, especially one on which Bangladesh relies for trade, transit, and regional stability.
Sheikh Hasina further commented, 'No wise leader would threaten a neighbor on whom Bangladesh's economy and security greatly depend.' According to Hasina, such rhetoric caters only to ideological fantasies, not Bangladesh's national interests.
Amid the current conditions in Bangladesh, the murder of Usman Hadi, and events of lynching within the Hindu community, Sheikh Hasina had an exclusive conversation with news agency ANI. Addressing threats regarding the Chicken Neck and India's reaction, Hasina affirmed, 'India has every right to be concerned about such statements.' She added that such rhetoric does not represent the view of the Bangladeshi people.
Bangladesh's former Prime Minister emphasized, 'The people of Bangladesh understand well that our prosperity and security hinge on robust ties with India.' She expressed confidence that following the restoration of democracy, such reckless statements will cease.
Yunus Has No Right to Make Decisions - Sheikh Hasina
Challenging the validity of the interim government, Sheikh Hasina stated, 'Yunus lacks the mandate to redirect Bangladesh's foreign policy.' According to her, the current government does not have the authority to make strategic decisions impacting future generations.
On India-Bangladesh relations, Sheikh Hasina made it clear, 'The ties between India and Bangladesh are fundamental and will endure beyond this interim government's tenure.' She indicated that with the return of democratic governance, Bangladesh's policy would realign with national interests and regional stability.
Addressing Usman Hadi's murder, Sheikh Hasina said, 'This tragic event underscores the chaos that toppled my government and has since escalated under Yunus's reign. Violence has become commonplace, while the interim government either denies it or is completely unable to prevent it. Such occurrences destabilize Bangladesh internally and harm relationships with neighboring countries, who watch these developments with concern. When a nation cannot maintain basic order within its borders, its credibility on the international stage diminishes. This is the reality of Yunus's Bangladesh.'
Sheikh Hasina's Opinion on Anti-India Sentiment
In the interview, Sheikh Hasina commented, 'The anti-India sentiments are being stoked by radicals granted freer rein by Yunus's government. These are the same individuals who marched on the Indian embassy, attacked our media offices, carried out unabashed attacks on minorities, and placed my family and me in life-threatening danger, forcing us to flee the country. Yunus has installed such people in positions of power and has released convicted terrorists from prison.'
Regarding her return to Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina stated, 'I left Bangladesh to prevent further bloodshed, not out of fear of facing justice. You cannot demand my return to face political assassination. I have challenged Yunus to take his accusations to The Hague because I am confident that an independent court will exonerate me. When Bangladesh has a legitimate government and an unbiased judiciary, then I will gladly return to the country I have served all my life.'
