Bangladeshis Demand Hasina’s Return to Face Justice Over India-Backed Brutalities

Sheikh Hasina’s prolonged stay in India has raised growing concerns among Bangladeshis. Many believe that her political survival has been supported by New Delhi, casting doubt on her commitment to Bangladesh’s democracy. Critics highlight her repressive tactics, including crackdowns on the opposition and the controversial Digital Security Act, as signs that her government aligns more with Indian interests than with the will of the Bangladeshi people. These concerns have fueled demands for Hasina’s return and accountability for her actions, as people question whether foreign influence is undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

Hasina’s Stay in India Raises Alarm

Hasina’s extended time in India has become a source of deep suspicion. Her close ties to New Delhi have led many Bangladeshis to believe that her policies, particularly those that repress opposition, are influenced by India’s interests. Critics argue that her government has been sustained by foreign support rather than democratic processes. The longer Hasina remains in India, the more questions arise about her dependence on external backing and her government’s disregard for the will of the Bangladeshi people.

Cracking Down on Political Opposition to Maintain Power

Ahead of the 2018 elections, Hasina’s government took aggressive steps to suppress opposition, including jailing thousands of BNP activists and sidelining opposition leader Khaleda Zia. Critics argue that these actions were aimed at securing Hasina’s grip on power rather than ensuring free and fair elections. Hasina’s government’s treatment of the opposition and its failure to foster a fair political environment raise concerns about her commitment to democratic values. India’s backing of Hasina during this time has led to accusations that New Delhi is enabling her authoritarian rule.

India’s Support for Hasina’s Repressive Measures

India’s quick endorsement of Hasina after the controversial 2018 elections, despite claims of electoral fraud and political repression, has been widely criticized. Critics argue that India’s support signals that New Delhi is protecting Hasina from international scrutiny. India’s diplomatic support, despite clear evidence of undemocratic practices, suggests a willingness to overlook human rights violations for the sake of maintaining a political ally in the region. This support has deepened suspicions that India is complicit in Hasina’s repression of the opposition.

India’s Influence Over Bangladesh’s Political Landscape

Throughout Hasina’s rule, India has gained significant influence over Bangladesh’s economic and security policies. Hasina has allowed India to use key waterways, and Indian companies have benefited from favorable business deals. In exchange, Hasina has received India’s political support, strengthening their bilateral ties. Critics argue that this relationship has compromised Bangladesh’s sovereignty, as Hasina’s dependence on India has led her to prioritize foreign interests over the democratic will of her people.

India’s Role in Shielding Hasina’s Government

India’s support for Hasina has not only shielded her from international criticism but has also allowed her to consolidate power despite growing authoritarianism. India’s failure to address Hasina’s human rights violations raises questions about its role in Bangladesh’s political landscape. While India claims to support democracy, its continued backing of Hasina’s increasingly repressive government undermines its credibility. Critics argue that India’s actions have allowed Hasina to remain in power, preventing meaningful international pressure and enabling further erosion of democratic principles in Bangladesh.

The Digital Security Act: A Tool for Political Repression

One of the most controversial measures introduced by Hasina’s government is the Digital Security Act, which has been widely criticized for suppressing free speech and targeting political opponents. While the Act was intended to address cybercrime, it has been used to silence journalists, activists, and opposition figures. A 2022 United Nations review of the Act found it to be primarily a tool for stifling dissent rather than protecting national security. Critics argue that the law is a clear sign of Hasina’s growing authoritarianism, and that India’s support for her government has allowed such measures to go unchecked.

India’s Involvement in Bangladesh’s Political Affairs

India’s involvement in Bangladesh’s politics became particularly evident during Hasina’s recent visit to New Delhi. She was received by Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Adviser and head of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s intelligence agency. RAW has long been accused of interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. For many Bangladeshis, this meeting further suggests that India is actively supporting Hasina’s regime, raising concerns about the extent of foreign influence in the country’s political system.

Public Discontent with Hasina’s Leadership

Public trust in Hasina’s government is at an all-time low, with many Bangladeshis calling for accountability. Her stay in India, combined with her government’s increasingly authoritarian measures, has left the people questioning whether Hasina is truly serving their interests. The growing calls for her return reflect a deep frustration with her government’s disregard for democratic principles and its increasing dependence on India’s political establishment. Many now see Hasina as more accountable to India than to the Bangladeshi people.

Growing Demand for Hasina’s Return and Accountability

The demand for Hasina’s return to Bangladesh to face justice has gained momentum. Many Bangladeshis want her to be held accountable for her actions, including her suppression of political opposition and the abuse of the Digital Security Act. Critics argue that Hasina’s relationship with India has allowed her to avoid scrutiny and maintain her grip on power. As the calls for her accountability grow louder, it becomes clear that the people of Bangladesh want justice for the repression they have suffered under Hasina’s rule.

The Fight for Bangladesh’s Democracy

At the heart of the growing calls for Hasina’s accountability is the struggle for Bangladesh’s democracy. Many Bangladeshis feel that Hasina’s actions have undermined the democratic values the country fought for in 1971. The suppression of free speech, the targeting of political opponents, and the erosion of democratic institutions have left many wondering if Bangladesh can ever return to its founding democratic principles. This struggle is not just about holding Hasina accountable, but about restoring the democratic processes that have been undermined under her leadership.

Conclusion: A Threat to Bangladesh’s Sovereignty and Democracy

Sheikh Hasina’s prolonged stay in India and her increasing dependence on New Delhi have raised serious questions about her government’s commitment to democracy and Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Her actions, including the repression of opposition, the abuse of the Digital Security Act, and her growing authoritarianism, have sparked widespread calls for accountability. The people of Bangladesh view her close relationship with India as a threat to their democratic future. As the demand for Hasina’s return and justice grows, it is clear that Bangladesh is at a critical moment in its struggle for democracy. The international community must take notice and support Bangladesh’s fight for a free, democratic, and sovereign future.