Hundreds of Hindu homes, businesses and temples have been destroyed following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. (Image: AP file)
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir denies Sheikh Hasina’s claims and denies plans for US air base
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has strongly denied reports that the United States has plans to acquire a military base in the country, calling it an “irresponsible statement.”
Exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently taking refuge in India, has accused the United States and other foreign powers of being complicit in her ouster. In a message to Awami League supporters, Hasina warned that the new caretaker government should not be “used” by such foreign powers. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Alamgir denied allegations that the United States had offered to set up an airbase there, saying no such discussions existed.
“It is very unfortunate to see such irresponsible statements coming from someone who was the prime minister of an independent country for the last 15 years. Unfortunately, she always blames others when there is a problem. The main reason she left the country and was removed from office was misgovernance and failure to govern the country properly,” Alamgir told CNN-News18.
Asked about Hasina’s remarks about the US plot to topple the regime and the BNP’s alleged links, Alamgir said “it’s all nonsense.” “The remarks are irrational and irresponsible. I don’t understand how she can say such things because there was no diplomatic involvement in the movement. It was a spontaneous movement by students and later the people joined,” he added.
Bangladesh’s parliament was dissolved earlier this week after Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced his resignation shortly after Prime Minister Hasina fled the country. Thousands of minority Hindus held huge protests in the Bangladeshi capital and the northeastern port city of Chattagram on Saturday, demanding protection amid vandalism across the country that has included attacks on temples, homes and businesses.
In an interview with CNN-News18, the BNP Secretary General reaffirmed the BNP’s solidarity with the Hindu community in the wake of attacks targeting minorities and underlined the party’s friendly ties with India. Alamgir also stressed that the caretaker government’s decision on Hasina’s return depends on India’s position, but the BNP continues to press for Hasina’s trial for any wrongdoings.
Muhammad Yunus took charge of a caretaker government on Thursday in line with the students’ demands and in his first address to the nation said his top priority was to restore law and order in the country. A 17-member advisory committee, including four allied with the BNP and three with Jamaat-e-Islami, was sworn in on the same day.
Asked about a possible join force between Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP in the upcoming elections, Alamgir clarified that the BNP has no ties with Jamaat-e-Islami and said it is only an alliance partner. He said the BNP is committed to ensuring that all parties, including Hasina’s Awami League, take part in the upcoming elections.
