Fakhrul accused Sheikh Hasina of exacerbating Bangladesh’s economic woes and called on India to “hand her over to the government of Bangladesh as per the law,” asserting that the Bangladeshi people should decide her fate.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has accused India of undermining democratic principles by granting refuge to Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Fakhrul criticized India’s decision and called for Hasina’s extradition to Bangladesh to face trial.

Fakhrul made these remarks while paying tribute to Ziaur Rahman, the founder of BNP, at his grave. He alleged that Hasina, whom he labelled a “fascist oppressor and killer,” fled Bangladesh amid a widespread uprising led by students and the general populace. Fakhrul argued that Hasina’s presence in India has allowed her to allegedly plot against the revolution and the interests of the Bangladeshi people.

“It is our misfortune that our neighbouring country India offered her refuge. From there, she has been hatching a conspiracy to thwart the revolution of the students and common people in Bangladesh,” Fakhrul said. He further expressed his disappointment, asserting that India had failed to uphold democratic values by harbouring Hasina.

The BNP leader called on India to “hand her over to the government of Bangladesh as per the law,” asserting that the Bangladeshi people should decide her fate. Fakhrul accused Hasina of exacerbating Bangladesh’s economic woes, claiming her tenure resulted in a debt burden of Tk 18 trillion and the embezzlement of approximately $100 billion. He also criticized her administration for allegedly destroying national institutions and misgovernance over the past 15 years.

Addressing the current political situation in Bangladesh, Fakhrul commented on the role of the interim government, which was established following a students’ uprising. He emphasized that the interim government’s primary role is to organize free and fair elections and transfer power to elected representatives. Fakhrul acknowledged the need for time to rectify the issues created by the previous Awami League government and praised the interim government’s efforts so far.

“The interim government has done commendable work in the last eleven days,” Fakhrul said. “However, we believe that some time is needed to clean up the mess left by the Awami League government. The interim government can work towards this goal and implement necessary reforms.”

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