Bangladesh\u2019s longest-serving Prime Minister and Bangabandhu\u2019s daughter, Sheikh Hasina, has expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for granting her refuge, while issuing a sharp warning that the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government is dangerously accelerating ties with Pakistan at the cost of Bangladesh\u2019s sovereignty and regional stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking exclusively to IANS <\/a>from her undisclosed location in India, Sheikh Hasina underlined the vital importance of India-Bangladesh relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIndia is a vital neighbour and partner. I value Prime Minister Modi\u2019s support and the longstanding ties between our countries. At a personal and diplomatic level, I am grateful for the refuge I have been afforded in a time of danger. Strong bilateral relations with India are in Bangladesh\u2019s interest, and they can help ensure lasting regional stability,\u201d Sheikh Hasina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When asked directly how Prime Minister Modi had helped her during the crisis that forced her to flee, Sheikh Hasina replied: \u201cI do not wish to talk about private conversations and relationships; however, I will say that I remain grateful to the people of India for their continued support.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In stark contrast, Sheikh Hasina cautioned against the rapid warming of relations with Pakistan under the Yunus administration. \u201cIt is in Bangladesh\u2019s national interest to have a constructive relationship with Pakistan, but it must be measured and balanced. We cannot allow for this unelected government to speed ahead headlong and with total disregard into ever deeper ties with Pakistan. Bangladesh must guard its sovereignty and remember its integral role in the region to ensure continued stability,\u201d Sheikh Hasina warned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elections Under Yunus Regime<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Turning to the upcoming national elections, Sheikh Hasina was scathing about the banning of her Awami League, describing it as a death blow to any claim of free and fair polls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFree, fair and participatory elections are the foundations of legitimate government. If the interim authorities seek to manage outcomes rather than enable a level playing field, this would be an assault on our democracy. I call for independent international observers, clear electoral timetables and guarantees that all parties and candidates can campaign without intimidation,\u201d Sheikh Hasina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n World Bank report vindicates Sheikh Hasina\u2019s legacy amidst propaganda<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Senior journalist M.A. Aziz exposes hidden agenda behind Yunus administration<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n She added: \u201cHowever, banning the Awami League makes all of those recommendations obsolete as millions of our supporters will likely stay at home. You cannot ban the most popular party in the country and present it as being free and fair.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asked whether her party would participate or boycott, Sheikh Hasina clarified: \u201cAs it stands, my party is banned from participating in next year\u2019s elections. This is not a boycott; this is disenfranchisement of millions of voters. Should this still be the case when the elections are held, you will probably see our supporters simply stay at home rather than participate in a faulty election.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grace Toward Ailing Khaleda Zia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite decades of bitter rivalry, Sheikh Hasina struck a conciliatory note when asked about the critical health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am gravely concerned to hear that Begum Khaleda Zia is ill and will pray that she can make a recovery,\u201d Sheikh Hasina said, offering no further comment on their turbulent shared history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n US Role in Her Ouster<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On persistent rumours that the United States orchestrated her removal, Sheikh Hasina adopted a measured tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Awami League denounces ICT-BD warrant against Sajeeb Wazed Joy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A Fake Election Sans Awami League: How Prof Yunus is Talibanising Bangladesh<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe United States has publicly denied involvement, and so far, no definitive proof has been presented in the public domain that contradicts this. Accusations without evidence risk distracting from the real work of restoring stability, accountability and national unity,\u201d Sheikh Hasina stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She also hinted at broader foreign interference without naming specific countries: \u201cI do not wish to delve too far into speculation, but there are troubling signs of outside interference in our national affairs\u2026 Bangladesh must be free to resolve its problems through its own institutions and sovereign will, not through outside influence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Economic Crisis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sheikh Hasina defended her 15-year economic legacy and blamed the current downturn squarely on post-ouster instability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBangladesh\u2019s long-term fundamentals remain strong, but short-term turmoil has clearly hit growth, investor confidence and reserves. Even my harshest critics would agree that we spearheaded an economic miracle in Bangladesh, one I am extremely proud of,\u201d Sheikh Hasina said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From NGO Activist to Power-Broker: The Meteoric Rise of Dr. Nabila Idris<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n