Home minister says India cannot avoid responsibility for statements Hasina makes from Delhi

Bangladesh's Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, asserted that India bears responsibility for the political statements made by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Delhi. He argued that India's actions are inconsistent with its stated desire for friendly relations with Bangladesh.

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You [India] will play the Hasina card while seeking a friendly relationship with Bangladesh. Those two things are contradictory. I hope the Indian authorities and government understand this.

"You [India] will play the Hasina card while seeking a friendly relationship with Bangladesh. Those two things are contradictory," Ahmed stated at a discussion event in Dhaka. He expressed hope that Indian authorities would recognize this contradiction. The minister emphasized that Bangladesh values its relationship with India, viewing it as interdependent, but stressed that such ties must be built on mutual dignity, respect, sovereignty, and equality.

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We want to maintain friendly relations with you. But we will never become Awami League. We will maintain relations with you while upholding Bangladesh’s interests, based on mutual dignity and respect and based on sovereignty and equality.

Ahmed's remarks come amid tensions between Bangladesh and India following Hasina's recent press conference held in India. While acknowledging India's External Affairs Ministry spokesperson's statement that India does not endorse Hasina's remarks, Ahmed criticized India for repeatedly allowing a "convicted person," whom he considers responsible for "fascism, mass killings and crimes against humanity," to address the international media.

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That much we accept. But we also do not support the fact that you repeatedly allow a convicted person, whom we consider responsible for fascism, mass killings and crimes against humanity, to speak to the world media while sitting there.

The minister also rejected comparisons drawn between Hasina's political activities in India and those of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman in London. Ahmed differentiated the two situations, stating, "Yes, Hasina has faults. None of us were fascists. We fought for democracy, and we were forcibly exiled. This is the difference between us and Hasina." He further alluded to Hasina's past statements about India's support for her government, suggesting a reciprocal relationship where India provides shelter due to past contributions.

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It is being said that Mr Tarique Rahman can conduct politics from London, so what is Hasina’s fault?... Yes, Hasina has faults. None of us were fascists. We fought for democracy, and we were forcibly exiled. This is the difference between us and Hasina.