[object Object]

Nahid Islam, a lawmaker from the National Citizen Party, has called on India to apologize for its alleged support of the ruling Awami League government over the past 16 years and for human rights abuses committed during that period. Speaking during a parliamentary discussion on the national budget, Islam argued that while Bangladesh-India relations should be based on equality, India has not acknowledged its historical role.

“

The new Indian high commissioner should have begun by offering an apology. For 16 years, the Indian government directly and indirectly helped keep the Awami League in power, and it owes Bangladesh an apology for that.

Islam criticized the new Indian high commissioner, stating that the envoy should have begun by offering an apology. He accused India of directly and indirectly helping the Awami League retain power for 16 years. The lawmaker also demanded an apology for India sheltering individuals responsible for massacres and the killings of Osman Hadi. He further alleged that the Awami League was responsible for sabotage within Bangladesh.

“

It is the Awami League that is carrying out sabotage in Bangladesh.

Furthermore, Islam highlighted border killings, stating that around 10 Bangladeshis have been killed by India's Border Security Force since the BNP came to power, with others being pushed back and labeled illegal immigrants. He urged the foreign ministry to respond firmly to provocative remarks by Indian leaders, referencing comments by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Islam stressed Bangladesh's struggle for independence and sovereignty, calling for an end to corruption, implementation of the July Charter, and justice for those involved in money laundering and economic plundering.

“

The BNP has the word ‘nationalist’ in its name. We want to see how it acts to stop border killings.

The lawmaker also described the new budget as a "deficit budget" with unrealistic revenue targets. He identified key challenges including job creation, banking sector reform, and addressing electricity agreements that have increased power prices. He criticized the insufficient allocation for the defense sector and questioned the possibility of economic reform without political reform, good governance, and the implementation of the July Charter, emphasizing the need for referendums, reforms, and accountability.

“

How can you democratise the economy if you do not democratise politics? Without political reform, without ensuring good governance, without implementing the July Charter, how will you achieve economic reform?