Bangladesh, which recently witnessed turmoil following the demise of a young radical leader, Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, amid anti-India rhetoric, now gradually returns to normalcy, as the South Asian nation also prepares for its next general election scheduled for 12 February 2026. The highly sought-after polls, as the sitting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faced an overthrow in the backdrop of a student-led mass uprising in July-August 2024, however misses the participation of Hasina’s party Awami League, which used to rule the Muslim majority country of 170 million people for several years.
The ousted premier, along with thousands of her party men, continues to stay in neighbouring India even after she faces a death sentence by a Bangladeshi court for her crimes against humanity during last year’s rebellion that resulted in the casualties of over 1400 individuals, including minors. Ignoring repeated official communiqués from the current interim regime led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka, India still remains non-committal over her repatriation. It caused a strain on diplomatic relations between Dhaka and New Delhi, and lately Bangladesh’s bilateral ties with the billion-plus nation have only worsened.
Many anti-Hasina campaigners rumoured that the Hadi’s killers entered the Indian territory soon after the shooting attack in Dhaka on 12 December, following which the Inqilab Mancha leader was later flown to Singapore for advance-treatment but he succumbed to injuries on 18 December evening. The prime accused Faisal Karim Masud, who was associated with Chhatra League, the student wing of Awami League, continues to be traceless and a large section of Bangladeshi nationals believe with no justification that he was receiving support & hospitality from New Delhi. Thus the entire fury went against India and motivated elements stepped up activities targeting the Hindu families in different parts of Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the horrific mass killing of Deepu Chandra Das, 27, a garment worker in Bhaluka of Mymensingh locality by an angry mob alleging an unconfirmed derogatory remarks against the Islam on 18 December, and Uttam Kumar Barman, 45, a grocery shop owner of Rangpur locality with same allegation of blasphemy on 13 December aroused massive protests in India. The agitators demonstrated their anger in front of all Bangladesh diplomatic missions demanding justice to the victims and ensuring security to the non-Muslims in the country. The interim government firmly stated that the killing of the Mymensingh worker was a heinous criminal act with no justification. Recently, education adviser Prof CR Abrar visited the family of Deepu to convey the government’s sympathy and assurance of support during this difficult time. He reaffirmed the authority’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law and informed that over 10 people were arrested in connection with the crime.
In a recent report, the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) pointed out that Hasina’s presence in India has been a major factor in the simmering tensions between the two neighboring countries. Almost immediately after taking office, the interim government began pushing for Hasina’s extradition under a 2013 treaty, but the Indian officials were never likely to agree to send her back, added the report. Probably New Delhi did not prefer to ‘look like an unreliable ally to other governments in the region’ by her extradition and hence it staunchly supports Hasina. Dr Yunus personally urged Prime Minister Modi to prevent the disgraced premier from making political statements while in India, warning that her interventions in Bangladeshi politics emerged as an unfriendly gesture. His remarks were not well received by New Delhi and Bangladesh further aggrieved for allowing thousands of Awami League activists to undertake political activities from Kolkata and New Delhi, stated the conflict prevention organization.
Recently, Hasina came out with a critical comment over the current turmoil in Bangladesh accusing the Yunus-led interim government as a failed entity. She termed the tragic killings as a reflection of lawlessness that has become the norm where the interim government either denies it or remains powerless to address it. Alleging that the current authority put ‘extremists’ in top positions, released convicted terrorists from prison and allowed international terrorists to play roles in public life, Hasina also blamed it for the strained relations with India.
Hasina also rejected any call to return back to Bangladesh ‘to face political assassination’ until a legitimate government is installed in Dhaka that supports an independent judiciary. She did not forget to offer thanks to New Delhi for its continued hospitality since her departure from Dhaka last year. India’s stand on Hasina’s stay is clear which is guided by its civilizational ethos and humanitarian tradition of offering refuge to individuals facing circumstances of grave distress or existential threat. New Delhi had earlier sent a strong message demanding justice for Deepu saying that India remains concerned over the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh affecting the religious minorities.
But the question that arises is, why should Hasina not tender an apology to the Sanatani Hindu society, as she too failed to protect the Hindus and other minority families during her long tenure as the premier of Bangladesh. Initially, she was reported to be preparing to move to a third country, but to date, none has offered asylum to the lady and not even appreciates New Delhi for rescuing Hasina from a possible death in Ganabhawan on 5 August 2024. Hasina remains compelled to stay in a Hindu majority country for more than a year as no nation across the world has come forward to support Hasina in her time of distress. Should it not be her first priority to beg forgiveness from the Hindus in India!
