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Special Correspondent
Dhaka: Prime Minister’s Political Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused India of interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs by allowing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to make political statements from its territory.
He made the accusation while speaking to journalists at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Thursday (August 6). Rizvi said the Bangladesh government had informed India about the issue but had received no effective response.
Earlier, marking the 37th founding anniversary of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), Rizvi offered prayers and laid floral tributes at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at Zia Udyan.
Rizvi alleged that Sheikh Hasina had been “deliberately and strategically” given the opportunity to make political remarks from India.
“We believe Sheikh Hasina has been intentionally and systematically allowed to deliver political statements. This is disrespectful to Bangladesh’s national sovereignty and constitutes a form of interference in our internal affairs,” he said.
He further claimed that Sheikh Hasina is a fugitive facing trial in Bangladesh on multiple charges, including murder and corruption, and that court rulings have already been issued against her.
Rizvi accused India of failing to return her despite the existence of an extradition treaty and applicable legal mechanisms between the two countries, instead allowing her to engage in political activities.
He said BNP considers India a friendly neighboring country and seeks relations based on equality, mutual trust, and respect.
“By allowing a fugitive accused to make political statements, India has ignored the principles of mutual trust and respect that should underpin bilateral relations,” he added.
Rizvi also alleged that the decision to facilitate Hasina’s political address reflected a deliberate policy by Indian authorities.
According to him, the speech was arranged on the anniversary of the mass uprising that forced Sheikh Hasina to leave Bangladesh, which he described as a calculated attempt to influence Bangladesh’s political landscape rather than an isolated incident.
He further stated that allowing Hasina to speak in a country that describes itself as the world’s largest democracy was an insult to those who, according to him, lost their lives during the popular movement that led to her departure from power.
Calling the incident a “disgraceful attempt,” Rizvi strongly condemned and protested the move.
DAB President Prof. Dr. Harun Al Rashid, Secretary General Dr. Md. Jahirul Islam Shakil, and other leaders and members of the organization were also present at the event.