The issue of death sentence to former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina is gaining momentum. Even the United Nations has expressed concern over this matter. Let us know what former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Riva Ganguly Das has to say on this entire matter.
New Delhi. There was political turmoil in Bangladesh when the International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity. Sheikh Hasina termed the decision as partisan and politically motivated and said that she was not even given a chance to present her side. Many people around the world also feel that something wrong has happened to Hasina. Asianet News Network’s Heena Sharma had a special conversation with former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Riva Ganguly Das, on this entire matter. He analyzed the extremist forces shaping the interim government of Bangladesh and the implications of this decision.
Why is the decision on Sheikh Hasina’s punishment politically motivated?
When Riva Ganguly was asked whether she felt that there was a lack of legal strength in the case, she said, “The speed with which the verdict came, Sheikh Hasina not getting a lawyer of her choice, the verdict being pronounced in her absence, these are some of the reasons which are enough to call this a politically motivated decision. Immediately after this verdict, there was violence in Dhaka, vandalism of the historical Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, the museum built in the house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman “The attempts to create havoc indicate that there is a lot of politics going on in Bangladesh.”
Jamaat returns to power: Extremists are running the government
The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has long been accused of harboring anti-India elements and protecting extremist groups. According to Riva Das, fundamentalist terrorist groups, which were suppressed during Sheikh Hasina’s government, have now again established their influence in Bangladesh. Jamaat people and extremists are currently running the government. The current situation in Bangladesh is due to the Islamic groups that opposed the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. The tribunal set up by Sheikh Hasina to try 1971 war criminals has now been revamped to try them. According to Riva Das, the increasing power of Jamaat and other fundamentalist organizations shows that this decision of Bangladesh is completely politically motivated.
Is Bangladesh repeating 1975?
On this question, Riva Das said, “I don’t think the situation is still the same.” Comparing it with the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, he said, today Bangladesh is stronger, stable and self-confident than before. Bangladesh has seen very good economic growth for many decades. Women are empowered, they have a strong Bangladeshi identity.” According to Riva Das, a collapse like that of 1975 is impossible due to socio-economic changes. It is very difficult to create that kind of collapse today. I think Bangladesh now needs to move towards a democratic process.”
Awami League still has immense support
Riva Das said, despite the Awami League workers being forced to flee the country or go into hiding, you cannot deny them. This decision has not reduced Hasina’s support base. Sheikh Hasina still enjoys a lot of support. It is a grassroots level party, whose presence extends to every village of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh surrendered to the mob
Speaking on India-Bangladesh relations, Riva Das expressed deep concern over the continuous attacks on minorities there and the deteriorating law and order situation. He said that Bangladesh seems to be surrendering to the mob. The situation of law and order has gone from bad to worse. These things are really a matter of concern for India. India-Bangladesh relations have deteriorated since Hasina’s ouster from power. According to Riva Ganguly Das, Bangladesh is going through the most destabilizing changes in its modern history.