Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, will have time to reflect on the unexpected consequence of her spectacular escape from Dhaka, which was preceded by mob violence. Ms. Hasina, once a symbol of hope for Bangladesh’s young and a Prime Minister who revitalized the economy, is now viewed as the students’ worst foe, blamed for over 300 deaths in recent rallies. Ms. Hasina was praised for cracking down on terrorist camps in 2009, handing over offenders to India, and combating radicalization. However, she has since faced criticism for employing similar strong-arm tactics against her opponents.
Student protests over quotas in July may have been the tipping point, following a decade of claims of vote manipulation, media persecution, and wrongful imprisonment of leaders and activists. Despite securing a fourth term in January, Ms. Hasina continued to pursue criminal charges against Nobel Laureate and Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus, who is expected to lead the interim administration. Her actions and inability to allow dissent have harmed the reputation of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the adored founder of Bangladesh, whose statues are now in ruins.
Extreme mob violence and protests likely received political support and encouragement from Pakistan and the United States, both of which had strained relations with the Awami League government.
The presence of Islamist groups may undermine Ms. Hasina’s efforts to promote religious tolerance and secularism during her 15-year reign.
India should reflect on all of these outcomes. New Delhi was not just implicated in Ms. Hasina’s activities against Bangladeshi opposition members by neglecting to warn her of the consequences. Additionally, it neglected to engage them, resulting in a loss of goodwill on Dhaka streets.
The Modi government’s unwavering backing for Ms. Hasina led to her unthinking acceptance of contentious choices, including the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. After ensuring Ms. Hasina’s safety and well-being, the government should focus on facilitating a peaceful transition to a more inclusive democratic process in Bangladesh.
ABHISHEK VERMA
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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