Bangladesh Nationalist Party General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is necessary to start a new chapter in relations between India and Bangladesh. He said that Hasina’s presence in India can further deteriorate bilateral relations.
The BNP general secretary said in an interview that the BNP will review the controversial Adani power deal signed during the Awami League rule if it comes to power as it is putting “devastating pressure” on the people of Bangladesh.
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BNP appeals to India for cooperation
Senior BNP leader Alamgir expressed his desire for strong ties with India and said his party was ready to “leave behind past differences and adopt a cooperative attitude”. He also assured that the BNP would not allow any activities against India’s security on Bangladesh soil.
Alamgir argued that the protection of minorities was an “internal matter” of Bangladesh and that reports of attacks on Hindus were “definitely false” as most incidents were politically motivated.
Bilateral relations will be affected!
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir believes that not extraditing Sheikh Hasina could further deteriorate India-Bangladesh relations. He said, “India should make arrangements to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh so that the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people can be respected.”
He also alleged that India’s Bangladesh diplomacy has not been proper and it needs to establish relations with the people of Bangladesh and others, not with the Awami League alone. Alamgir said that if the BNP comes to power, it will try to build strong relations with India and resolve past differences.
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The BNP leader said that both Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League deserve criticism in Bangladesh, and that supporting them would further tarnish India’s image. “In the current situation, if India supports Sheikh Hasina, it will only increase resentment against India in Bangladesh,” he said.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)