BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused India of conspiring against Bangladesh by providing shelter to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and others allegedly implicated in the killings during the country’s political unrest.

Speaking at a human chain and protest rally in front of the National Press Club on Wednesday morning, Rizvi alleged that India had ignored repeated requests from the Bangladesh government to return Hasina and her associates. The programme was organised by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Muktijoddha Dal and Projonmo Dal.

''India calls itself a friendly country, and we also talk about friendship. But you have given shelter to Sheikh Hasina, who is accused of responsibility for the deaths of around 1,400 young people, students, workers and members of the public.''

The party Secretary General alleged that people accused of shooting at and carrying out killings of pro-democracy protesters had also taken refuge in India, despite repeated requests from Bangladesh for their return under court warrants.

He questioned India’s decision not to hand over Hasina, saying, “If you could arrest a former major accused in the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and hand him over to Sheikh Hasina, why are you not handing over Sheikh Hasina?”
Rizvi also linked the reported disruption in electricity supply from the Adani power plant to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s decision not to attend the BRICS summit.

He claimed Tarique was invited in his capacity as BIMSTEC chair rather than as the head of government of Bangladesh and therefore declined the invitation.

According to Rizvi, the decision demonstrated Bangladesh’s commitment to its sovereignty and dignity.

He alleged that the Adani power plant announced a unit had malfunctioned the following day, resulting in a halt in electricity supply.

“The switch is in Jharkhand, India. They can shut it down whenever they want,” Rizvi said, suggesting the development was politically motivated.

Sun News/ra