India must exhibit greater sensitivity towards sentiments of Bangladeshi populace: Shama Obaed

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam stated that India must determine whether it will permit convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leaders to engage in what she termed conspiratorial activities from Indian territory.

"If the autocratic, fascist, and convicted leaders of the Awami League, including its head, continue to conduct such conspiratorial actions while on Indian soil, and if the Indian government fails to intervene immediately, it will undoubtedly raise concerns among the people of Bangladesh," she remarked to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday evening.

The State Minister indicated that discussions between the two nations would persist, while urging India to be more attuned to the sentiments of the Bangladeshi populace.

"India must exhibit greater sensitivity in this regard and make a judicious decision about its future actions," she emphasized.

The State Minister accused the Awami League, whose activities are currently prohibited, of attempting to resurrect what she referred to as an outdated political narrative that associates Bangladesh with extremism.

"This narrative of militancy represents the old, unscrupulous politics of the Awami League. They are now attempting to revive it on foreign soil. Whether India will permit this is a decision for the Indian government to make," she stated, underscoring that the Awami League is pursuing this strategy to attract international attention.

Shama expressed optimism for a healthy bilateral relationship founded on equality and mutual respect.

"India is a democratic nation. It must determine its foreign policy concerning Bangladesh. We desire positive relations that benefit the citizens of both countries. However, this relationship must be grounded in equality, mutual respect, and dignity. If India comprehends this, it will be advantageous for all parties involved," Shama Obaed added.

Dismissing allegations of militancy in Bangladesh, she asserted that the nation possesses an elected government backed by its citizens, and that such accusations lack credibility both domestically and internationally.

She further criticized the Awami League's history regarding democracy and human rights.

Shama Obaed expressed that Bangladesh desires to strengthen its relations with India but urged New Delhi to clarify its stance concerning the actions of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leaders operating from Indian territory, cautioning that this matter could impact bilateral relations.

She indicated that Bangladesh has already communicated its concerns through an official statement and emphasized that India must now determine the nature of the relationship it wishes to cultivate with Bangladesh.

"You have seen our statement. In that statement, we have articulated and attempted to convey as much as a nation can in diplomatic terms. Furthermore, we have consistently stated that India's position should be explicit regarding the type of relationship it seeks with Bangladesh," the State Minister remarked.

In reference to Sheikh Hasina, Shama Obaed noted, "When a convicted criminal makes statements on Indian soil and the Indian government permits it, there is naturally concern for Bangladesh and its citizens regarding the future of our relationship."

"At this point, when the Awami League speaks of democracy, and when it discusses human rights, it appears quite absurd," she remarked, alluding to accusations of enforced disappearances and killings during the party's governance.

Shama Obaed stated that the citizens of Bangladesh stand united against any resurgence of what she describes as fascism.

In spite of these apprehensions, the State Minister reaffirmed that Dhaka seeks constructive engagement with New Delhi, highlighting that the two neighboring countries have a multitude of bilateral matters that necessitate ongoing dialogue.

"We desire our relations... as we have numerous issues with India, including many bilateral concerns—water, energy, and border matters—that must be addressed through conversation and dialogue," she articulated.

However, Shama Obaed stressed that Bangladesh's connection with India encompasses much more than the present conflict.

"A nation has various dimensions to its relationship with another nation. It is essential for us to engage in extensive dialogue with them, and we must conduct discussions. We collaborate on energy, we face significant challenges regarding water, and there are border issues—these must be settled through discussions," she asserted.

Regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's potential involvement in the BRICS Summit, the State Minister indicated that the country remains keen on the grouping, while noting that any decision regarding the Prime Minister's attendance at a forthcoming summit would be contingent upon his schedule.

"Bangladesh is presently chairing BIMSTEC. BRICS is a multilateral organization in which Bangladesh is certainly interested in participating. Whether the Prime Minister will attend or not... that decision will need to be made by him based on his schedule," she concluded.