Khaleda's party irked by India for hosting exiled PM Hasina
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a key rival of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, is displeased with India's decision to host the ousted prime minister after she fled Dhaka on Monday. Gayeshwar Roy, a senior BNP leader and former minister, told The Times of India that while the BNP supports mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and India, "if you help our enemy...it becomes difficult for that mutual cooperation to be honored." He expressed concerns about India's support for Hasina's return to power.
Why does this story matter?
This comes after the recent resignation and departure of former PM Hasina due to widespread protests against her Awami League government over a government job quota scheme. The policy reserved 30% of government jobs for descendants of veterans who fought in the 1971 war of independence against Pakistan—the majority of whom are affiliated with her party. The protests later escalated into a movement demanding Hasina's resignation following violent police crackdowns. Hasina is currently staying at a safe house in India.
BNP's concerns over India's support for Hasina
"Sheikh Hasina's liability is being borne by India... Indian and Bangladesh people don't have issues with each other. But should India promote one party and not the entire country?" Roy said. To recall, chief of the BNP, Khaleda Zia, was released from jail on executive orders from President Mohammed Shahbuddin on Tuesday after the collapse of the Hasina-led Awami League government. She had been sentenced to 17 years in prison for graft in 2018 under Hasina's rule.
Hasina's future plans remain uncertain
Notably, Hasina's future remains uncertain—whether she will seek asylum elsewhere, stay in India, or return to Bangladesh. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, expressed gratitude to the Indian government for "protecting" his mother and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Joy urged India to lead international efforts to restore democracy in Bangladesh. He also dismissed rumors about Hasina seeking asylum in the United Kingdom or having her United States of America visa revoked, clarifying the situation.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus takes charge
On Thursday, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh's interim government. His primary responsibilities include restoring peace and organizing new elections after the recent turmoil that led to Hasina's ouster. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Yunus, expressing hope that the government would restore normalcy and safeguard Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh. The PM also reiterated India's commitment to working with Bangladesh for peace, security, and development.
