Bangladesh has formally lodged a “strong protest” with India regarding statements made by deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, particularly those concerning the alleged recent vandalism of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman‘s house.
Bangladesh slammed Hasina’s latest speech as being “false and fabricated”, adding that it views the former PM’s statements and activities while in exile in India as a “hostile act”.
It has requested that India prevent her from making further speeches, citing the importance of mutual respect and the historical relationship between the two countries.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh lodged a strong protest with the Government of India over the false and fabricated comments and statements continuously being made in different platforms including social media, by the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, instigating instability in Bangladesh. Through the protest note, handed over to the Acting High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, the Ministry conveyed the deep concern, disappointment and serious reservation of the Government of Bangladesh, as such statements are hurting the sentiments of the people in Bangladesh….The Ministry also emphasized that such activities by her, are considered as a hostile act towards Bangladesh and are not conducive to the efforts at establishing a healthy relationship between the two countries,” the bangladesh foreign ministry said in a post on Facebook.
on Thursday, the Bangladesh’s foreign ministry summoned the acting high commissioner of India to Dhaka. Bangladesh foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh had formally requested India in writing to prevent Sheikh Hasina from making such statements and remarks, as those are against the interests of Bangladesh.
He also said, “We have not got any response in this regard. Due to recent developments, Bangladesh has once again sent a protest note to India. Indian acting high commissioner was summoned and handed over the protest letter so that she (Sheikh Hasina) is prevented.”
‘Remember history takes its revenge’: Sheikh Hasina
Hasina delivered the speech on Wednesday night after protesters vandalised and set on fire her father and Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence in Dhaka. Similar cases of vandalism also took place at several other places, targeting Awami League leaders.
During her address, Hasina urged citizens to mount opposition against the present administration.
Speaking with evident emotion, Hasina noted that whilst Pakistani forces had plundered the house during the 1971 Liberation War, they neither demolished nor burnt it.
“Today, this house is being demolished. What crime had it committed? Why were they so afraid of the house… I seek justice from the people of the country. Didn’t I do anything for you?” she said.
“They can demolish a building, but not the history… but they must also remember that history takes its revenge,” Hasina said.
“They are yet to have the strength to destroy the national flag, the constitution and the independence that we earned at the cost of lives of millions of martyrs with a bulldozer,” she said, seemingly referring to the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
Demonstrators burned Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence, damaged murals
Demonstrators gathered near Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s 32 Dhanmondi residence in Dhaka, responding to social media calls for a “bulldozer procession”. The crowd subsequently ignited the building.
The neighbouring structure, which served as offices for various Awami League organisations, was also destroyed. Protesters damaged murals featuring Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Demonstrators also set ablaze ‘Sudha Sadan’ on Road 5 in Dhanmondi, the residence of Hasina’s deceased husband Wajed Mian.
The homes of her cousins – Sheikh Helal Uddin and Sheikh Salauddin Jewel – in Khulna City were also destroyed by protesters.
Students removed Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s name from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall of Dhaka University in protest.
At 77, Hasina has been residing in India since August 5 of the previous year, having escaped Bangladesh amidst a significant student-led uprising that ended her Awami League’s 16-year governance.