Staff Reporter :
Expressing concern over Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s remarks, senior joint secretary general of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Adv. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that the neighboring country should respect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.
Talking to reporters after placing a wreath at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave on Saturday, he reminded India that people of Bangladesh never accept it if India, adopting a one-sided approach, maintains contact only with Sheikh Hasina and her party.
“What the Indian Defence Minister said after a meeting with military commanders was alarming. There are questions in the public’s mind about whether his comments are intended as provocation”, the BNP leader stated.
He questioned whether the Indian minister’s remarks were part of India’s efforts to comfort Sheikh Hasina and assist her in regaining her dominion. “If not, then why is the Defence Minister speaking in this manner?”
On Friday, Rajnath Singh urged India’s armed forces to analyse the ongoing situation in Bangladesh to prepare for any “unexpected situation.”
Rizvi said the people of Bangladesh are now moving freely after driving out the “monster” Sheikh Hasina from the country.
“The fear of arrest or enforced disappearance has disappeared. People are now roaming freely and sleeping peacefully. Don’t you (India) appreciate this? Don’t the Indian policymakers wish for the return of democracy in Bangladesh, for people to live in peace, and to reside in a sovereign country?” he also asked.
Rizvi also questioned whether India is unable to accept the reality that Sheikh Hasina has been ousted from Bangladesh. “If that is the case, it suggests that for you, the people of Bangladesh and their sovereignty are not truly secure. It appears that only one person, Sheikh Hasina, is deemed safe in your view. This is very unfortunate.”
Despite having many unresolved issues, he said Bangladesh respects India’s sovereignty. “Just as we respect India’s sovereignty, India should also respect our freedom and sovereignty.”
Rizvi noted that the people of Bangladesh, on August 5, unitedly took to the streets, risking their lives to drive out Sheikh Hasina as they had previously driven out the British and ousted the Pakistanis in 1971.
“Just as the people of Bangladesh can endure oppression for a long time, they also know how to unite and show resolve against foreign invaders. India must remember that Bangladesh is a nation of heroes,” he said.
Rizvi said Sheikh Hasina killed over a thousand people and fled to India when no other option was in her hand, as people were heading towards her residence, Ganabhaban, breaking the curfew.
“One of her ministers (Quader) had claimed that the daughter of Bangabandhu would not flee. Now, where is Sheikh Mujib’s daughter? How can those who have oppressed their people, who have made AynaGhar and concentration camps to detain people for years, govern this country?” Rizvi questioned.
Rizvi said that Hasina has been staying in India because no democratic country, including the UK and the USA, is willing to grant her asylum.
Recalling that one of Sheikh Hasina’s Foreign Ministers once likened India-Bangladesh relations to that of a husband and wife, he said, “When Hasina fled to India, she was received there as if she were a bride.”
President of Nurses’ Association of Bangladesh (NAB) and BNP Co-Nurses Affairs Secretary Jahanara Begum presided over the event, Health Affairs Secretary Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, Executive Committee Member Md. Mahbubul Islam, Engineer Iqbalur Rahman Rokon, NAB General Secretary Md. Sujan Mia, Central Chhatra Dal vice president Dr. Tauhidur Rahman Awal, among others, were present.
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