Stop Hasina from making false remarks
Dhaka has lodged a strong protest against the "false and fabricated statements" made by deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, saying that those statements have been instigating instability in Bangladesh.
The foreign ministry yesterday summoned acting high commissioner of India in Dhaka, Pawan Badhe, and handed over a protest note, conveying deep concern, disappointment, and serious reservation. "Such statements are hurting the sentiments of the people in Bangladesh," it said.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. It also emphasised that such activities by her are considered a hostile act towards Bangladesh and are not conducive to the efforts at establishing a healthy relationship between the two countries.
"She has been continuously provoking the students... If she restrained herself from making such remarks, these incidents might not have taken place," Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain told a press briefing at his ministry yesterday.
He said in reference to the vandalism at Dhanmondi 32 and houses and other establishments of Awami League leaders across the country.
Hasina delivered her speech through social media on Wednesday night. Around the same time, hundreds of protesters destroyed the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the capital's Dhanmondi and other installations linked to Awami League in different parts of the country.
Dhaka requested New Delhi to immediately take appropriate measures, in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding, to stop her from making such false, fabricated, and incendiary statements using social media and other communications while she is in India.
Earlier, Dhaka had written New Delhi to restrain Hasina, who fled to India after her ouster on August 5 amid a mass uprising, from making speeches.
In December last year, the ministry also had sent a diplomatic note to the Indian government, seeking her extradition as she faces numerous cases for killings during the mass uprising in July-August last year.
Asked what was India's response, the adviser said the Indian government stated that they were not providing any platform to Hasina, but she was using her own phone and making statements. The platforms she is using are based in other countries, including in the US.
Responding to a query as to why the government did not properly act to prevent the destruction on Wednesday night, Touhid said it took a few days to stabilise the law and order after the August 5 changeover, but the remarks of Hasina were so aggressive that the students could not take it.
"But you know the army personnel rushed there and contained the incident. It could have been worse otherwise," he said.
Dhaka's relations with New Delhi strained since Hasina was sheltered in India.
Touhid said Dhaka tried to remove the uneasiness and establish a balanced relationship with New Delhi that is mutually beneficial, and that effort is continuing.
On the review of agreements signed with India during the Awami League regime, he said that the countries negotiate deals before signing, not afterwards.
"If both countries agree, they can go for review. Otherwise, you cannot cancel the deals. In the cases of commercial deals, parties can move to the courts in Singapore or the Netherlands. We don't want it to go that level," Touhid said.
He mentioned that power purchase deal with Indian company Adani was a bad deal, and the government will have to initiate if it wants to make any changes to the deal.
INDIA REGRETS DHANMONDI 32 VANDALISM
India yesterday said the vandalism of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence at Dhanmondi 32 should be strongly condemned.
"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 on February 5, 2025," said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for external affairs ministry, in response to queries of journalists in New Delhi.
He said, "All those who value the freedom struggle that nurtured Bangla identity and pride are aware of the importance of this residence for the national consciousness of Bangladesh.
"This act of vandalism should be strongly condemned."
BANGLADESH-PAKISTAN RELATIONS
Touhid said Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar may visit Dhaka in April as part of improving bilateral relations, but did not detail the meeting agenda.
He said there are some unsettled issues for 54 years with Pakistan that Bangladesh will definitely mention. However, Bangladesh wants to see normal relations with Pakistan like those with another country.
"I don't see any reason to strain relations with the country by singling it out," he said, adding, "If the relations stand on the same position, it is neither good for us nor for them. We will definitely try to ensure our interest."
He said Pakistan took an initiative to normalise relations with Bangladesh and "we accepted that initiative".
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