BNP Leader to India: Extradite Sheikh Hasina or Face Strained Relations
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Secretary-General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has issued a stern warning to India regarding the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently residing in India. Fakhrul has linked Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh with the future of India-Bangladesh relations, urging a fresh chapter in the bilateral ties through her extradition.
Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India following a coup that overthrew her Awami League government in Bangladesh. An interim government, led by Nobel laureate Sheikh Yunus, is currently in power in Bangladesh, with BNP holding a significant role in this administration. The BNP has been exerting pressure on India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, and Alamgir’s recent remarks further escalate this demand.
Alamgir emphasized that Sheikh Hasina must face legal proceedings in Bangladesh for her alleged crimes, stressing that India should respect the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people by ensuring her return. He pointed out that 63 cases of murder have been filed against Hasina in the last 20 days, and her presence in India is damaging the relationship between the two countries. Hasina has been staying in India for the past three weeks since resigning from her position as Prime Minister following violent incidents on August 5.
Pressure Mounts for Hasina’s Extradition
In an interview with PTI, Alamgir underlined the importance of India-Bangladesh relations and expressed BNP’s willingness to put aside past differences to build new ties. He assured that BNP would not allow any activities on Bangladeshi soil that could threaten India’s security.
Review of Adani Power Agreement
Alamgir also mentioned that if BNP comes to power after the upcoming elections, they would review and reassess the Adani power agreement signed during the Awami League’s rule, alleging that the agreement was forced upon the people of Bangladesh.
He criticized the Indian government for its diplomatic failure in understanding the mindset of the Bangladeshi people and dismissed reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, attributing these incidents to political motivations rather than communal violence.
This development highlights the growing tensions between India and Bangladesh, with the BNP’s demands and threats adding a new dimension to the already complex political landscape. The situation remains fluid as both countries navigate these challenging diplomatic waters.
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