Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has warned that Bangladesh is being “pushed” towards extremism, alleging that a combination of extremist networks, communal politics, political patronage and weakened institutions is creating a serious security threat for the country and the wider region.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, her first telephonic interview with Indian media, Hasina said the situation in Bangladesh was marked by growing religious mob violence, attacks on shrines, dargahs, cultural spaces and secular symbols, as well as concerns over the activities of extremist and terrorist groups.
“The phrase ‘another Pakistan’ does not refer to the ordinary people of any country. It refers to a dangerous conglomeration of extremism, communal politics, terrorist networks, political patronage and weakened institutions. Bangladesh is being pushed in that direction,” Hasina told HT.
She cited concerns raised by the UN Security Council’s monitoring mechanism over the possible establishment of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent cells in Bangladesh, and referred to what she described as local investigations into alleged extremist networks.
“When international warnings and domestic investigations point in the same direction, no responsible government can deny the threat,” she said.
Hasina also alleged that Bangladesh’s counter-terrorism capacity was being weakened, citing discussions around specialised counter-terrorism units and the release of militants. She warned that any expansion of extremist networks could have consequences beyond Bangladesh, affecting India, Myanmar, the Bay of Bengal and regional security.
“Bangladesh is being pushed in that direction, and that is dangerous not only for Bangladesh, but for the entire region,” she said.
Hasina, who has been living in India since the fall of her Awami League government in August 2024, also said she intends to return to Bangladesh by December.
She questioned Dhaka’s decision to make her extradition a condition for a possible visit to New Delhi by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saying she would return to Bangladesh on her own.
“I am going back to my own country,” she said, adding that she would announce the specific date, time and point of entry later.
Hasina also defended the Awami League and criticised the ban imposed on the party, arguing that its political future should be decided through an election rather than by its opponents.
She accused the current government of political persecution and alleged that hundreds of thousands of cases had been filed against Awami League leaders and workers.
“The Awami League, as an institution, is there and will remain,” she said.
Hasina also criticised Bangladesh’s reported $2.3-billion deal to acquire Chinese combat aircraft, arguing that the government should prioritise shortages of electricity, gas and fertiliser and the rising cost of living.
She said her planned return was not about reclaiming power but about standing with the people of Bangladesh.
“My return is not about power. It is about standing beside the people,” she said.
Comments (0)