DHAKA: Bangladesh has criticised India’s comments on the demolition of the historic Dhanmondi 32 residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, calling them “unexpected and undesirable”.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said Bangladesh does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and expects the same in return. “As you know, the former PM (Sheikh Hasina) has been making political statements at various times while staying in India, which is not being received well by the people of Bangladesh,” he said.
Earlier, India condemned the vandalism and demolition of Dhanmondi 32, calling it “regrettable”. India’s foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said, “It is regrettable that the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a symbol of the heroic resistance of the people of Bangladesh against the forces of occupation and oppression, was destroyed.” Jaiswal added that those who value Bangladesh’s freedom struggle understand the significance of this residence for the national consciousness of the country.
The interim govt of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has previously termed the vandalism as unfortunate and unexpected, linking it to “provocative remarks” made by Hasina from India. It urged India to ensure that its territory is not used to promote instability in Bangladesh and to prevent further remarks by Hasina.
Meanwhile, France-based human rights outfit JMBF called the attacks an affront to Bangladesh’s democratic values.