Bangladesh Summons Indian Envoy Over Hasina’s Statements
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Government of Bangladesh summoned India’s acting High Commissioner, Pawan Badhe, to formally protest statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile in India. Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md. Touhid Hossain, described Hasina’s recent remarks as “false and fabricated comments” and labeled them a “hostile act” against Dhaka. He emphasized that her statements were “highly aggressive” and could have offended the sentiments of the younger generation.
The protest from Dhaka came a day after Hasina delivered a virtual address to her supporters from India. In her speech, she accused the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, of seizing power unconstitutionally and called upon her followers to oppose the current regime. This address coincided with violent protests in Dhaka, where thousands of demonstrators set fire to the historic residence of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding leader. The house, which had been converted into a museum, held significant historical value as the site of the 1975 assassination of Mujibur Rahman and his family.
In response to the destruction of the historic residence, India expressed deep anguish, stating that the “act of vandalism” should be strongly condemned. The Indian government emphasized the importance of preserving historical sites and called for restraint from all parties involved.
The relationship between Bangladesh and India has been strained since Hasina’s ousting in August 2024, following a student-led uprising that ended her 15-year rule. She fled to India and has since been residing there. The interim government in Bangladesh has accused her of making provocative statements from exile and has sought her extradition, but India has not responded to these requests.
The situation remains tense, with ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh. Hasina’s Awami League party has announced plans for protests and strikes, while the interim government faces challenges related to the struggling economy, human rights violations, and demands for elections. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, urging all parties to engage in dialogue and uphold democratic principles.
