Synopsis
New Delhi, Feb 8 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Acting High Commissioner from Bangladesh, Md. Nural Islam, expressing serious concerns about ongoing negative remarks from Bangladeshi officials regarding India. The tensions arise following statements attributed to Sheikh Hasina, which Bangladesh views as incendiary.Key Takeaways
- MEA summoned Bangladesh's Acting High Commissioner over negative remarks.
- India seeks a positive relationship with Bangladesh.
- Sheikh Hasina's comments viewed as personal, not governmental.
- Bangladesh lodged a strong protest against Hasina's statements.
- Ongoing violence targeting Awami League properties in Bangladesh.
New Delhi, Feb 8 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned Bangladesh's Acting High Commissioner to India, Md. Nural Islam, to express serious concerns over the ongoing negative commentary from Bangladeshi officials regarding India.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in an official statement, remarked, "The Bangladesh Acting High Commissioner to India, Md. Nural Islam was called to the South Block today, February 7, 2025, at 5 p.m. India seeks a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, a sentiment reiterated in recent high-level discussions. It is unfortunate that repeated statements from Bangladesh authorities continue to depict India unfavorably, attributing our involvement in their internal governance challenges. Such statements contribute to the ongoing negativity."
Jaiswal also stated, "Comments made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are her personal views, and India has no involvement in them. Merging this with the Government of India's stance will not promote positivity in bilateral relations. While India is committed to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship, we expect Bangladesh to respond in kind without creating a hostile environment."
On Thursday, Bangladesh officially lodged a strong protest against India regarding remarks from deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, particularly concerning the alleged vandalism of her father's residence, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's house.
Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Hasina's remarks as false and fabricated and labeled her actions while in exile in India as a hostile act.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh expressed a strong protest to the Government of India regarding the false and fabricated comments being made on various platforms, including social media, by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which are inciting instability in Bangladesh. Through the protest note delivered to the Acting High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, the Ministry conveyed their profound concern, disappointment, and serious reservations, stating that such remarks are damaging to the sentiments of the Bangladeshi populace," stated a post on Facebook by the Ministry.
The Ministry further emphasized, "Such actions by her are seen as a hostile act towards Bangladesh and hinder the establishment of a healthy relationship between our nations."
Bangladesh has requested that India prevent Hasina from making further statements, highlighting the need for mutual respect and recognizing the historical ties shared by the two countries.
In the meantime, Bangladesh is experiencing widespread violence and arson attacks targeting properties associated with Hasina and her Awami League party.
Reports indicate that protesters have attacked and set fire to the homes of Awami League leaders nationwide. Murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman have been vandalized in nearly two dozen districts.
On Wednesday night, following Hasina's live online address, protesters targeted Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's house.
In Dhaka, Awami League Presidium Member Sheikh Selim's residence in Banani was set ablaze around 1:30 a.m. on Friday. Security concerns delayed fire services from reaching the scene until 2:45 a.m., according to the United News of Bangladesh (UNB).
Just a day after the attack on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Dhanmondi-32 residence, protesters in Noakhali's Companiganj vandalized and set fire to the house of Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of Awami League.
According to The Daily Star, the incident occurred at 1 p.m. on Friday, resulting in damages to a two-storey building and tin-roofed rooms belonging to Quader's younger brother Abdul Quader Mirza and former mayor Shahadat Mirza. A parked vehicle was also set ablaze.
Sheikh Hasina, aged 77, has been residing in India since August 5, 2024, after fleeing Bangladesh following a massive student-led uprising that ended her Awami League's 16-year rule. Her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is widely regarded as the hero of Bangladesh's independence, but growing dissatisfaction towards Hasina is impacting his legacy.
Additionally, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has issued arrest warrants against Hasina and several former Cabinet ministers, advisers, and officials for crimes against humanity and genocide.
