Mahfuz Alam Accuses Sheikh Hasina of Plotting from India

In a striking declaration, Mahfuz Alam, the advisor to Bangladesh's interim government, has accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of plotting against her nation from India. Alam's claims extend further, alleging that Hasina, alongside approximately 100,000 members of her Awami League party, have sought refuge in India. This assertion was made during a program in Dhaka designed to commemorate Ramadan, where discussions took place with relatives of individuals who either disappeared or were killed under Hasina's administration. Alam voiced his criticism of Hasina, stating, "Hasina committed many crimes in the country as revenge for the murder of her parents. She did not hesitate to kill those who opposed her. Between 2013-14, a large number of missing incidents took place when people were fighting for their right to vote. They are still untraceable. She committed many atrocities to cripple the electoral system," highlighting the severe nature of the allegations against the former leader.

The accusations levelled by Alam include a detailed criticism of Hasina’s reign, particularly focusing on the disappearances and deaths of opposition members. He contended that during Hasina's time in power, a significant number of people fighting for their democratic right to vote went missing, with many of these cases remaining unsolved. Alam expressed, "Those who opposed the Awami League were branded as terrorists and militants and made to disappear. Now they are plotting against Bangladesh from India. Along with Hasina, nearly 100,000 Awami League activists have fled to that country. It is unfortunate that India is providing them shelter," indicating a serious breach of political and human rights during her term.

Sheikh Hasina, who reportedly left Bangladesh for India on August 5th last year amidst escalating protests over reservations, has become the subject of criminal proceedings along with her cabinet members, advisors, and military officers. Presently, she faces over 100 criminal charges in Bangladesh. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has notably issued an arrest warrant for her, signifying the gravity of the accusations against her and her associates.

Alam's charges against Hasina and her supporters point to a deep-rooted political crisis in Bangladesh, suggesting that the former prime minister and a substantial portion of the Awami League have not only fled the country but are also orchestrating plots against it from abroad. This situation raises concerns about the stability of Bangladesh's political landscape and the future relations between Bangladesh and India, especially considering the alleged refuge provided to Hasina and her followers by India.