Awami League Leader Expresses Gratitude to India for Support During Bangladesh Political Crisis
Bangladesh Awami League Leader Thanks India for Support Amid Political Crisis
Dhaka/New Delhi, March 11, 2025 — In a key development amid Bangladesh’s ongoing political unrest, a senior leader of the Awami League has expressed gratitude to India for its consistent support and assistance during the country’s most turbulent political period. Dr. Alam, a prominent Awami League member, made these remarks in an exclusive interview with ANI (Asian News International), highlighting India’s critical role in ensuring the safety of the Awami League leadership during a period of political upheaval.
Dr. Alam emphasized that despite the tumultuous events of the past year, Sheikh Hasina, the leader of the Awami League, is poised to return as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. His statements come after the political protests, primarily led by students and opposition groups, which resulted in the fall of Hasina’s government and created uncertainty in the country.
Political Crisis in Bangladesh: A Battleground of Protests and Power
Bangladesh has been engulfed in one of its most intense political crises, marked by widespread protests, heavy government crackdowns, and growing instability. The protests, primarily fueled by accusations of authoritarianism, election manipulation, and human rights abuses, were led by student organizations and opposition parties. These groups called for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her government of undermining democratic principles.
However, Awami League leaders have consistently dismissed the protests, labeling them as part of a larger conspiracy to destabilize Bangladesh. In his comments, Dr. Alam dismissed the protests as a “terrorist uprising,” a characterization that has sparked considerable controversy within Bangladesh and among international observers. Alam’s statement, calling the movement against Hasina’s regime a “terrorist uprising,” framed the unrest as a threat to the nation’s sovereignty and stability.
“Bangladesh is under attack, and it needs to be addressed by the international community,” Alam stated in a passionate defense of the government. “A political uprising is fine, but that is not what has been going on in Bangladesh. This is a terrorist uprising.”
India’s Role: Providing Shelter and Safe Passage for Awami League Leaders
One of the most striking elements of Dr. Alam’s comments was his acknowledgment of India’s critical support during this period. He praised the Indian government for helping the Awami League leadership, particularly in providing safe passage for Sheikh Hasina and offering shelter to several Awami League leaders who were forced to flee after the fall of the regime.
“Many of our leaders are sheltered here in India, and we are very thankful to the Indian government for providing the alignment,” Dr. Alam remarked. “I also thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing a safe travel passage for our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We are thankful to the people of India for their support.”
Dr. Alam’s comments reflect the deep appreciation of the Awami League for India’s diplomatic and logistical support, which allowed many members of the party to remain active in politics and regroup following the political downfall. This gesture from India has been seen as a key moment in the India-Bangladesh relations as the two countries navigate complex regional geopolitics and domestic challenges.
A Complex Political Landscape
The political landscape in Bangladesh remains extremely polarized. On one hand, Sheikh Hasina and her party, the Awami League, maintain a strong base of support, particularly from urban and pro-government sectors. On the other hand, opposition parties, led by figures like Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have rallied large-scale protests, accusing Hasina’s government of corruption, electoral fraud, and human rights violations.
In recent months, the protests have gained significant momentum, especially among the youth and student organizations, who demand more accountability and transparency from the government. However, Hasina’s supporters argue that the opposition is leveraging international forces to disrupt the country’s political stability.
The government’s approach to the protests has included both crackdowns on opposition groups and attempts to suppress dissenting voices, which has intensified fears of authoritarianism and reduced democratic freedoms in Bangladesh. As the situation escalates, Bangladesh faces an uncertain future, with tensions between the government and opposition continuing to rise.
Will Sheikh Hasina Return to Power?
Despite the growing political unrest, Dr. Alam remains confident that Sheikh Hasina will return as the Prime Minister. According to him, the student-led uprising that ousted Hasina’s government was not a legitimate political movement but rather a result of manipulation by external forces. “The young generation has made a mistake, but that’s not their fault. They have been manipulated,” Alam added, blaming external influences for fueling the protests and creating a political crisis in Bangladesh.
This belief in Hasina’s inevitable return as Prime Minister stems from the Awami League’s dominant position within the country’s political system, bolstered by strong support from key segments of society and the backing of powerful regional allies like India.
The Bigger Picture: Geopolitical Implications for India-Bangladesh Relations
India’s involvement in Bangladesh’s internal political affairs is not just a matter of regional influence. It also has wider geopolitical ramifications. India has consistently shown support for Hasina’s government, seeing it as a stabilizing force in the region and a partner in tackling common issues such as terrorism, trade, and regional security.
While Bangladesh is trying to maintain a neutral stance in its relationship with India and China, India’s assistance to the Awami League has further cemented the ties between the two neighboring nations, with mutual security concerns and economic cooperation playing a major role in shaping their bilateral relationship.
Conclusion: A Political Showdown Looms
As Bangladesh continues to navigate its political crisis, the situation remains fluid. With the possibility of Sheikh Hasina’s return as Prime Minister looming large, the Awami League’s gratitude toward India’s support stands as a testament to the shifting dynamics in South Asia’s political arena. The international community, especially neighboring countries, will be closely watching how this political saga unfolds in the coming months.