Dhaka/New Delhi: Bangladesh’s political landscape remains volatile as Awami League leader Dr. Rabbi Alam confirmed that Sheikh Hasina is set to return as the country’s Prime Minister. Alam, who serves as the Vice President of the United States (USA) Awami League, expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for ensuring Hasina’s safe passage and shelter for several Awami League leaders amid the ongoing crisis.
Alam, a close aide of the ousted leader, asserted that Bangladesh is facing a serious threat that requires international intervention. “Bangladesh is under attack, and it needs to be addressed by the international community. A political uprising is fine, but that is not what has been going on in Bangladesh. This is a terrorist uprising,” Alam stated.
India’s Role in Bangladesh’s Political Crisis
Highlighting India’s support, Alam thanked Modi for facilitating Hasina’s safe travel and providing refuge for Awami League leaders. “Many of our leaders are sheltered here in India, and we are very thankful to the Indian government for providing the alignment. I also thank PM Narendra Modi for providing a safe travel passage for our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We are thankful to the people of India,” he said.
Bangladesh’s Current Political Landscape
The political crisis in Bangladesh escalated following the student-led movement that resulted in Hasina’s ouster on August 5. The protests, which lasted for weeks, led to violent clashes, leaving over 600 people dead. Following her removal, an interim government was established under Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, further intensifying tensions between rival political factions.
Alam dismissed the legitimacy of the current government, insisting on Hasina’s return. “We want to ask the Bangladesh Advisor to step down and go back to where he came from… Sheikh Hasina is coming back as the Prime Minister. The young generation has made a mistake, but that’s not their fault; they have been manipulated,” he said.
Legal Actions Against Hasina and Family
Meanwhile, a Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi residence, ‘Sudhasadan,’ along with other properties belonging to her family members, including her son Sajib Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and sister Sheikh Rehana. Additionally, 124 bank accounts linked to Hasina’s family have been frozen following an application by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
In January, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued an arrest warrant against Hasina and 10 other former officials, including ex-Defence Adviser Major General (retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique and former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed. The warrants are based on allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
Bangladesh Lodges Protest Against India
As the crisis unfolds, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a formal protest with India over what it termed “false and fabricated” statements made by Hasina. A protest note was handed over to the Acting High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, urging the Indian government to take steps to prevent Hasina from making further “incendiary statements” on social media and other platforms.
With political uncertainty gripping Bangladesh, the international community is closely watching the unfolding events. Hasina’s anticipated return could further intensify tensions, raising questions about the future stability of the nation.
