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National Citizens Party (NCP) Convener and Chief Whip of the opposition in Parliament Nahid Islam has said that Prime Minster Tarique Rahman will not be able to visit India until the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition and the formulation of a new framework for Bangladesh-India relations are resolved.
He made the remarks on Thursday evening at an event marking the second founding anniversary of Inqilab Mancha at Shaheed Hadi Chattar in the capital’s Shahbagh.
Nahid Islam said, “Tarique Rahman must give a clear answer regarding the press conference held in India on August 5, and the foreign minister must also provide a clear response. Until the questions of how Sheikh Hasina will be extradited and how Bangladesh’s relations with India will be redefined are resolved, Tarique Rahman will not be able to go to India.”
Referring to the Awami League’s press conference in India, Nahid said, “The press conference held in Delhi was certainly organized with the direct or indirect support of the Indian government. Therefore, it would be a mistake to regard whatever the Awami League or Sheikh Hasina says from Delhi simply as Sheikh Hasina’s position. It should be viewed as Delhi’s position—as India’s position.”
He said India was trying to send this message to Bangladesh and would continue with its actions.
Nahid also said that a few days ago, after a meeting between Tarique Rahman and the Indian High Commissioner, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman had said that the extradition of those involved in the killing of Osman Hadi and the extradition of Sheikh Hasina had been discussed. However, he said, there was no mention of these issues in the Indian High Commissioner’s remarks.
Criticizing the Awami League’s August 5 press conference in India, Nahid said, “They should have expressed regret. They should have apologized. The Bangladesh government should not have limited itself to issuing a press release. It should have summoned them and strongly reprimanded them, demanding accountability over why and how such a press conference was organized.”
He further said, “This press conference was held against Bangladesh’s sovereignty. A verdict has been delivered by Bangladesh’s judicial system. When a government allows that accused person to hold a press conference, it effectively means that the Indian government has taken a position against this country’s democracy, judicial system and sovereignty.”
Regarding Bangladesh’s relations with India, the NCP convener said Bangladesh should talk about friendship with India only after securing the return of Sheikh Hasina and those involved in Osman Hadi’s killing, resolving border killings and ensuring Bangladesh’s fair share of river waters.
Various programs were held throughout Thursday to mark the second founding anniversary of Inqilab Mancha. The day began with prayers and a visit to the grave of Shaheed Osman Hadi. Later, a revolutionary rally titled “Rahe Inqilab” was held.
In the afternoon, a program titled “Azadir Melakat” featured different sessions with members of martyr families, well-wishers, poets, writers and artists. Other events included an exhibition titled “Aghat-Shraban July,” the stage play “Lal July” and the “Ishq-e-Inqilab” program.
AB Party General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad, NCP Joint Member Secretary Mahmuda Mitu, Inqilab Mancha Convener Abdullah Al Jaber and other leaders and activists of the organization were present at the event.
