Voicing concern over Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday called upon the neighbouring country to respect Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty.
The senior leader of the party also reminded India that the people of Bangladesh would not accept it well if it maintains contact exclusively with Sheikh Hasina and her party, adopting a one-sided approach.
“What the Indian Defence Minister said after a meeting with military commanders was alarming. There are questions in the public's mind about whether his comments are intended as provocation,” he said.
Rizvi made the remarks while talking to reporters after placing a wreath at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman’s grave in the capital.
Whether the Indian minister's remarks were part of India’s efforts to comfort Sheikh Hasina and assist her in regaining her dominion. “If not, then why is the Defence Minister speaking in this manner?, he questioned.
Rizvi said the people of Bangladesh are now moving freely after driving out the “monster” Sheikh Hasina from the country.
Despite having many unresolved issues, he said Bangladesh respects India’s sovereignty. “Just as we respect India's sovereignty, India should also respect our freedom and sovereignty.”
Rizvi said that Hasina has been staying in India because no democratic country, including the UK and the USA, is willing to grant her asylum.
On Friday, Rajnath Singh urged India’s armed forces to analyse the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hamas, Russia and Ukraine, and the current situation in Bangladesh to prepare for the “unexpected”.
bd-pratidin/GR
