India Alienating 190M Bangladeshis for AL Ties

BNP senior leader Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed

Speaking at a discussion event at the Jatiya Press Club, Hafiz argued that India’s biggest mistake was "turning the entire population of Bangladesh into enemies" in exchange for ties with the Awami League, which he described as a party of “looters and thieves.” He emphasized that Bangladeshis, regardless of their political affiliations, should be India’s true friends, not the “autocratic” AL regime.

The event was organized by the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Front, a platform representing the Hindu community, to protest against what they termed as “Indian aggression.” Hafiz suggested that Bangladesh’s long-standing friendship with India, once seen as a cornerstone of regional cooperation, had been jeopardized by India’s involvement with the Awami League.

"Bangladesh has always sought a strong and enduring relationship with India, but this has been undermined by India’s support for a regime that oppresses its people," Hafiz said. “In backing the Awami League, India has made enemies of 190 million Bangladeshis who desire peace and prosperity, not conflict and oppression."

He also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of fostering religious intolerance in India, claiming that the ruling party has infused the country with “religious poison” that threatens regional harmony. Hafiz further criticized the BJP for spreading misinformation about Bangladesh through its media channels.

According to Hafiz, Bangladesh was never a threat to India, but he claimed the current political leadership in India was manipulating the narrative to undermine Bangladesh’s image. He also took aim at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of eroding Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and pursuing a "destructive" path in the pursuit of power.

“Under Sheikh Hasina’s rule, Bangladesh has seen a collapse of state institutions. The country I once knew, vibrant and free, has been reduced to a place where political dissent is crushed, and false cases are used to silence opposition," Hafiz alleged. “She is responsible for the collapse of our democracy and the rise of authoritarianism.”

Hafiz further claimed that the Awami League, with support from the Indian government, has stoked religious divisions between Hindus and Muslims, despite Bangladesh being a secular state. “This is not an Islamic Republic. It is a People's Republic, where all citizens, irrespective of religion, should live in harmony.”

In addition to his criticism of the Awami League, Hafiz condemned recent anti-Bangladesh sentiments in India, including the burning of the Bangladeshi flag. "No one has the right to desecrate the flag of a sovereign nation," he said.

Finally, Hafiz responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's call for UN peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh, stating that "Bangladesh does not need peacekeeping forces. If anyone needs them, it is India, where political unrest and instability are growing."

Hafiz’s remarks reflect growing tension between Bangladesh and India, underscoring the challenges facing bilateral relations amidst political turmoil and regional geopolitics.