Hasnat Abdullah, southern regional chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and the party’s nominated candidate for Cumilla-4 (Debidwar), has said the Indian high commissioner should have been expelled over India’s alleged role in sheltering former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Speaking at a courtyard meeting in Phultoli area of Debidwar upazila on Wednesday (17 December), Hasnat criticised India’s response to Bangladesh summoning diplomats, saying it was unacceptable. “For sheltering what he described as ‘Hasina the killer,’ the Indian high commissioner should not have been reprimanded but expelled,” he said.
Hasnat alleged that India has trained, funded and sheltered what he termed “terrorists” from Bangladesh, claiming that at least 30,000 Awami League activists are living in India without visas or passports. “You harbour militants from my country and keep Bangladesh destabilised, and still expect friendly relations? That is not acceptable,” he said.
He said bilateral relations must be based on justice and mutual respect. “You must respect our borders if you expect us to respect yours. If you believe in a ‘shoot-on-sight’ policy, why should we maintain a ‘salute-on-sight’ approach?” he asked.
The NCP leader also criticised what he described as India’s cultural influence in Bangladesh, saying the country must become self-reliant. He said younger generations were no longer willing to remain silent or submissive, unlike previous political generations.
Referring to fears among politicians of upsetting India, Hasnat said, “Many politicians keep silent because they fear India. We will not. This land is ours, our independence is ours, and our sovereignty is ours.”
He further alleged that Bangladesh-India relations during the Awami League’s tenure resembled an unequal relationship. “That era is over. Relations will now be based on fairness and mutual respect,” he said, adding that Bangladesh would not accept a situation where it shows goodwill while its citizens are subjected to violence at the border.
Hasnat also claimed that Muslims from Bangladesh have long been treated as extremists in India and that those critical of India have been targeted. Referring to the shooting of activist Hadi, he said such incidents would not silence the movement. “Even if I am killed, many more will rise. Our struggle for justice and freedom will continue,” he said.
Leaders of the National Citizens Party from Debidwar upazila were also present at the meeting.
