#Gravitas | Thousands of Bangladeshis could be seen at various parts of the nearly 4,000-kilometer-long India-Bangladesh border. Reports of widespread violence, particularly targeting minority communities have been coming in from various parts of Bangladesh. As per reports, at least 200 cases of attacks against minorities have been reported in the country leading to mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis at India's doorstep.

Gravitas: Bangladeshis line up at India border, seek refuge

August 15th is the death anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Hasina's son urges Awami League leaders to commemorate the anniversary. Watch in for more details.

Bangladesh unrest: Hasina seeks probe into violence & loot

The former prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has released her first statement since her August 5 ouster and demanded punishment for those involved in the riots, news agency Reuters reported. The statement, released through her son Sajeeb Wazed, called on the Bangladeshi nationals to observe the National Mourning Day on 15th August “with due dignity and solemnity”.

“Pray for the salvation of all souls by offering floral garlands and praying at Bangabandhu Bhaban,” the statement said.

“Since last July, many fresh lives have been lost due to vandalism, arson and violence in the name of agitation. Students, teachers, police even internal women police, journalists, cultural workers, working people, Awami League and affiliated organization leaders, workers, pedestrians and workers in various institutions who have died as a victim of terrorist attack, I am condoling and praying for their souls,” the former Bangladesh prime minister said.

Her statement came after the interim government cancelled&nbsp;the public holiday for National Mourning Day on August 15. The move came after&nbsp;Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus held a&nbsp;meeting of the Council of Advisers on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjA75fYqfKHAxWgavUHHW3LDNgQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/resignations-of-bangladeshi-officials-close-to-sheikh-hasina-were-legal-yunus-749618" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/resignations-of-bangladeshi-officials-close-to-sheikh-hasina-were-legal-yunus-749618&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjA75fYqfKHAxWgavUHHW3LDNgQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Resignations of Bangladeshi officials close to Sheikh Hasina were legal: Yunus</a>

In her statement, she also lamented the vandalisation of Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's museum.

"The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose leadership we have gained self-esteem as an independent nation, got self-identity and got an independent country, has been grossly insulted. They insulted the blood of millions of martyrs. I want justice from the countrymen," Hasina said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjA75fYqfKHAxWgavUHHW3LDNgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-former-pm-sheikh-hasina-booked-for-murder-of-dhaka-grocer-749773" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-former-pm-sheikh-hasina-booked-for-murder-of-dhaka-grocer-749773&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjA75fYqfKHAxWgavUHHW3LDNgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Bangladesh former PM Sheikh Hasina booked for murder of Dhaka grocer</a>

Hasina’s resignation and subsequent escape to India on August 5 saw her 15-year-old rule come to a chaotic end. Massive protests, hundreds of deaths and withdrawal of support from the army were key factors behind the collapse of her regime. As of now, Hasina is residing at a safe location in India.

<h2>Former law minister arrested</h2>

Dhaka Tribune, a local media outlet, earlier reported that&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina's adviser Salman F Rahman and former law minister Anisul Huq were arrested as he attempted to flee the country.

Police held them in connection with a New Market police station case. The duo was&nbsp;attempting to flee by waterway from the Sadarghat area of the capital on Tuesday.

<h2>India-Bangladesh ties</h2>

Earlier, Bangladesh’s interim government said in a statement that Hasina’s stay in India won’t affect the ties between Dhaka and New Delhi.

The Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, Mohamad Touhid Hossain, said, “There will be no impact on the bilateral relationship between the two countries due to one individual’s stay in another country. Bilateral relations involve substantial mutual interests. Both India and Bangladesh have their respective interests,” he said during a press briefing.

On Thursday (Aug 8), Muhammad Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel laureate, took the oath as the leader of the interim government.

(With inputs from agencies)

The former prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has released her first statement since her August 5 ouster and demanded punishment for those involved in the riots, news agency Reuters reported.

The former prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has released her first statement since her August 5 ouster and demanded punishment for those involved in the riots, news agency Reuters reported. The statement, released through her son Sajeeb Wazed, called on the Bangladeshi nationals to observe the National Mourning Day on 15th August “with due dignity and solemnity”. “Pray for the salvation of all souls by offering floral garlands and praying at Bangabandhu Bhaban,” the statement said. “Since last July, many fresh lives have been lost due to vandalism, arson and violence in the name of agitation. Students, teachers, police even internal women police, journalists, cultural workers, working people, Awami League and affiliated organization leaders, workers, pedestrians and workers in various institutions who have died as a victim of terrorist attack, I am condoling and praying for their souls,” the former Bangladesh prime minister said. Her statement came after the interim government cancelled the public holiday for National Mourning Day on August 15. The move came after Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus held a meeting of the Council of Advisers on Tuesday. Also read: Resignations of Bangladeshi officials close to Sheikh Hasina were legal: Yunus In her statement, she also lamented the vandalisation of Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's museum. "The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose leadership we have gained self-esteem as an independent nation, got self-identity and got an independent country, has been grossly insulted. They insulted the blood of millions of martyrs. I want justice from the countrymen," Hasina said. Also read: Bangladesh former PM Sheikh Hasina booked for murder of Dhaka grocer Hasina’s resignation and subsequent escape to India on August 5 saw her 15-year-old rule come to a chaotic end. Massive protests, hundreds of deaths and withdrawal of support from the army were key factors behind the collapse of her regime. As of now, Hasina is residing at a safe location in India. Former law minister arrested Dhaka Tribune, a local media outlet, earlier reported that Sheikh Hasina's adviser Salman F Rahman and former law minister Anisul Huq were arrested as he attempted to flee the country. Police held them in connection with a New Market police station case. The duo was attempting to flee by waterway from the Sadarghat area of the capital on Tuesday. India-Bangladesh ties Earlier, Bangladesh’s interim government said in a statement that Hasina’s stay in India won’t affect the ties between Dhaka and New Delhi. The Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, Mohamad Touhid Hossain, said, “There will be no impact on the bilateral relationship between the two countries due to one individual’s stay in another country. Bilateral relations involve substantial mutual interests. Both India and Bangladesh have their respective interests,” he said during a press briefing. On Thursday (Aug 8), Muhammad Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel laureate, took the oath as the leader of the interim government. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Bangabandhu grossly insulted, I want justice...,’ Sheikh Hasina issues first statement after Aug 5 ouster

It's only been a week since the 15-year Sheikh Hasina regime has been ousted in Bangladesh. An interim government gets down to business in the wake of the Quota protests that felled Hasina it has assured no discrimination against Hindus in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh unrest: Muhammad Yunus' Hindu outreach in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's Awami League looks to Bangabandhu on death anniversary

Bangladesh unrest: What's future of Hindus in Bangladesh?

Security will be beefed up in violence-hit Bangladesh on the occasion of National Mourning Day on Thursday (Aug 15), local media reported on Tuesday (Aug 13). The Awami League is preparing to pay tributes to the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Dhaka on Thursday, commemorating the 49th anniversary of his assassination.

Security will be beefed up in violence-hit Bangladesh on the occasion of National Mourning Day on Thursday (Aug 15), local media reported on Tuesday (Aug 13). The Awami League is preparing to pay tributes to the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Dhaka on Thursday, commemorating the 49th anniversary of his assassination. Citing Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Miah, a report by The Daily Star on Monday said that though there was no specific report of threat by intelligence agencies, law enforcement officials would remain vigilant and take all-out security measures to avert any untoward incident considering the recent protests and situation. Also read | Resignations of Bangladeshi officials close to Sheikh Hasina were legal: Yunus DMP Miah placed a set of directives for ensuring security and traffic management, which will have to be adhered to from Wednesday in the area. The directives Grassroot leaders and activists of the Awami League would gather at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Dhanmondi Road, Dhaka, to pay tributes to Rahman. This event is expected to start early Thursday. Also read | Statue depicting Pakistan Army’s 1971 surrender to India vandalised in Bangladesh The police said that visitors, without any combustible substance or bags, have to enter the museum through a security archway and leave from the opposite side way. Also watch | Gravitas: Bangladeshis line up at India border, seek refuge × Vehicular movement will be restricted from Russell Square and Metro Shopping Mall and no vehicle will be allowed to park between Kalabagan Playground and Sobhanbagh mosque on Mirpur Road, the police added. (With inputs from agencies)

Security beefed up in Bangladesh ahead of National Mourning Day on Aug 15: Reports

Sajeeb Wazed backtracks claims against US. The White House said there is no involvement of US in Haisna's ouster. Watch in for more details.

Bangladesh crisis: Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed backtracks claims against US

Bangladesh crisis: US denies role in Sheikh Hasina's ouster

Just days after Bangladesh's interim government announced plans to repatriate former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, a murder case has been filed against her and six others. The case involves the killing of a grocery shop owner, identified as Abu Sayed, who was killed during police firing in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka on July 19, at the peak of the unrest that concluded with&nbsp;Hasina's exit from Dhaka.

The incident occurred during a rally&nbsp;in support of&nbsp;the anti-reservation movement in the Bosila area, Bangladesh's Daily Star publication has reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deeply-concerned-jaishankar-to-rajya-sabha-on-state-of-bangladesh-minorities-after-sheikh-hasinas-exit-747668">'Deeply concerned': Jaishankar on state of minorities in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s exit</a>

Along with Hasina, the names of&nbsp;Awami League&nbsp;General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and three former top police officials have been mentioned as co-accused.

This marks the first legal case against&nbsp;Hasina since she resigned from office and fled to India on August 5. The complaint was lodged by Amir Hamza Shatil, a resident of Mohammadpur, who claims to be a well-wisher of the victim and a Bangladeshi citizen. Shatil stated that he took it upon himself to file the case as the victim's family lacked the means to pursue legal action.

The court hearing for the case is scheduled for Tuesday (August 14) afternoon.

Also watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh unrest: Former PM Hasina hints at US role behind her ouster

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This development comes amid discussions within the Bangladesh interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus over Hasina's potential repatriation. The interim foreign ministry has suggested that it consider taking steps to bring her back if the law ministry requests it.

Interim government foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain said that any action by the foreign ministry would be contingent on such a request.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's interim government has asserted that the ousted PM's&nbsp;presence in India will not impact the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Hossain said that mutual interests drive bilateral relations and are not influenced by the presence of any single individual in either country.

“Bilateral relations is an important issue…it's built on mutual interest,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Just days after Bangladesh's interim government announced plans to repatriate former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, a murder case has been filed against her and six others.

Just days after Bangladesh's interim government announced plans to repatriate former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India, a murder case has been filed against her and six others. The case involves the killing of a grocery shop owner, identified as Abu Sayed, who was killed during police firing in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka on July 19, at the peak of the unrest that concluded with Hasina's exit from Dhaka. The incident occurred during a rally in support of the anti-reservation movement in the Bosila area, Bangladesh's Daily Star publication has reported. Also read | 'Deeply concerned': Jaishankar on state of minorities in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s exit Along with Hasina, the names of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and three former top police officials have been mentioned as co-accused. This marks the first legal case against Hasina since she resigned from office and fled to India on August 5. The complaint was lodged by Amir Hamza Shatil, a resident of Mohammadpur, who claims to be a well-wisher of the victim and a Bangladeshi citizen. Shatil stated that he took it upon himself to file the case as the victim's family lacked the means to pursue legal action. The court hearing for the case is scheduled for Tuesday (August 14) afternoon. Also watch | Bangladesh unrest: Former PM Hasina hints at US role behind her ouster × This development comes amid discussions within the Bangladesh interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus over Hasina's potential repatriation. The interim foreign ministry has suggested that it consider taking steps to bring her back if the law ministry requests it. Interim government foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain said that any action by the foreign ministry would be contingent on such a request. Meanwhile, Bangladesh's interim government has asserted that the ousted PM's presence in India will not impact the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Hossain said that mutual interests drive bilateral relations and are not influenced by the presence of any single individual in either country. “Bilateral relations is an important issue…it's built on mutual interest,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh former PM Sheikh Hasina booked for murder of Dhaka grocer

With student protests, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning and fleeing to safety, and Mohammed Yunus returning to Bangladesh to lead the interim government, the South Asian country has been going through turmoil, and the former premier staying in neighbouring India further complicates the matter.&nbsp;

However, the Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, Mohamad Touhid Hossain, assured that former PM Sheikh Hasina living in India's capital New Delhi won't change the nature of the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and India.

“There will be no impact on the bilateral relationship between the two countries due to one individual’s stay in another country. Bilateral relations involve substantial mutual interests. Both India and Bangladesh have their respective interests,” Hossain said during the first diplomatic briefing on Monday (August 12), according to the Dhaka Tribune.

"We stress that the government shall adhere to all international, regional and bilateral instruments it is a party to and shall remain a proponent of multilateralism with the UN at the core,’’ Hossein added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-authorities-crack-down-on-fake-tourists-heading-to-middle-east-to-beg-749515">Pakistan: Authorities crack down on 'fake' tourists heading to Middle East to beg</a>

The briefing was attended by representatives from all diplomatic missions in Dhaka, including UN agencies. "Bangladesh is on the brink of a new beginning. We are proud of our students for being the vanguard of the new Bangladesh they envision," he said, according to media reports.

The situation in Bangladesh remains unstable. Banks are dealing with liquidity problems, and inflation for the month has hit a 12-year peak at 11.66 per cent, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paul-nthenge-mackenzie-self-proclaimed-pastor-behind-kenya-starvation-cult-goes-on-trial-749505">Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, self-proclaimed pastor behind Kenya starvation cult goes on trial</a>

Hindu protesters in Bangladesh are calling for the protection of their homes and places of worship, reservations, five-day holidays for Puja, and the creation of a special ministry for minorities.

On Thursday, Muhammad Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel laureate, took the oath as the leader of an interim government, just days after student protests brought an end to Sheikh Hasina's 15-year reign. He was sworn in as the chief adviser, a role similar to that of a prime minister.

(With inputs from agencies)

With student protests, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning and fleeing to safety, and Mohammed Yunus returning to Bangladesh to lead the interim government, the South Asian country has been going through turmoil, and the former premier staying in neighbouring India further complicates the matter.

With student protests, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning and fleeing to safety, and Mohammed Yunus returning to Bangladesh to lead the interim government, the South Asian country has been going through turmoil, and the former premier staying in neighbouring India further complicates the matter. However, the Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, Mohamad Touhid Hossain, assured that former PM Sheikh Hasina living in India's capital New Delhi won't change the nature of the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and India. “There will be no impact on the bilateral relationship between the two countries due to one individual’s stay in another country. Bilateral relations involve substantial mutual interests. Both India and Bangladesh have their respective interests,” Hossain said during the first diplomatic briefing on Monday (August 12), according to the Dhaka Tribune. "We stress that the government shall adhere to all international, regional and bilateral instruments it is a party to and shall remain a proponent of multilateralism with the UN at the core,’’ Hossein added. Also read: Pakistan: Authorities crack down on 'fake' tourists heading to Middle East to beg The briefing was attended by representatives from all diplomatic missions in Dhaka, including UN agencies. "Bangladesh is on the brink of a new beginning. We are proud of our students for being the vanguard of the new Bangladesh they envision," he said, according to media reports. The situation in Bangladesh remains unstable. Banks are dealing with liquidity problems, and inflation for the month has hit a 12-year peak at 11.66 per cent, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Also read: Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, self-proclaimed pastor behind Kenya starvation cult goes on trial Hindu protesters in Bangladesh are calling for the protection of their homes and places of worship, reservations, five-day holidays for Puja, and the creation of a special ministry for minorities. On Thursday, Muhammad Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel laureate, took the oath as the leader of an interim government, just days after student protests brought an end to Sheikh Hasina's 15-year reign. He was sworn in as the chief adviser, a role similar to that of a prime minister. (With inputs from agencies)

Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India won’t affect bilateral ties says Bangladesh’s foreign adviser

In Bangladesh, the situation is gradually returning to normal sea after continued civil unrest for more than a month. Protesting police officers called off their strike after the interim government assured them of meeting most of their demands.

Bangladesh unrest: Police back on the streets of Dhaka

Hindu groups in Dhaka and other parts of the world are protesting against the alleged ongoing genocide of the community in Bangladesh after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Watch in for more details!

Protests against attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus rage on

In Bangladesh, the situation is gradually returning to normal sea after continued civil unrest for more than a month. Protesting police officers called off their strike after the interim government assured them of meeting most of their demands. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh unrest: Bangladeshis trying to seek refuge in India amid unrest

Protests in Bangladesh have not died down latest the country's chief justice who is also a close Aide to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has been forced to step down. Md. Ashfaqul Islam has been appointed as the acting chief justice.

Bangladesh crisis: New Chief Justice appointed in Bangladesh

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday hinted at the United States' role in her first public statement since her dramatic resignation and ouster amid ongoing unrest in the country.

Bangladesh unrest: Former PM Hasina hints at US role behind her ouster

Demonstrations continue in Bangladesh in the latest, an army vehicle was set on fire by a mob after clashes broke out between the army personnel and supporters of the Awami league demanding Hasina's return.

Bangladesh unrest: Protests continues against attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus

Syed Refaat Ahmed, the senior-most high court judge in Bangladesh, was on Sunday (Aug 11) sworn in as the country's chief justice a day after his predecessor, Obaidul Hassan, viewed as a loyalist of toppled premier Sheikh Hasina, quit following protests.

Syed Refaat Ahmed, the senior-most high court judge in Bangladesh, was on Sunday (Aug 11) sworn in as the country's chief justice a day after his predecessor, Obaidul Hassan, viewed as a loyalist of toppled premier Sheikh Hasina, quit following protests. Ahmed, 65, was sworn into office by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, the president's press secretary, Shiplu Zaman, told the news agency AFP. With this appointment, Ahmed became the 25th chief justice of Bangladesh, Zaman added. Who is Syed Refaat Ahmed? Syed Refaat Ahmed was born in 1958. He studied at the University of Dhaka, Oxford and Tufts University in the United States (US). Ahmed's father, late barrister Syed Ishtiaq, was a prominent jurist and an attorney general of Bangladesh. Also read | US lawmakers urge sanctions on ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's officials In 1984, Ahmed became a lawyer in the district courts, and two years later he joined the high court division. Local media reported that Ahmed was elevated to additional judge of the high court division in 2003 and was appointed judge of the same division two years later. The 65-year-old has also worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Hong Kong and Washington DC. His appointment as chief justice is the latest in a string of fresh appointments to replace an old guard, viewed as linked to the previous Sheikh Hasina regime, ousted by the student-led uprising. Hasina, 76, fled to India after protesters flooded Dhaka's streets in a dramatic end to her rule. Bangladesh's interim leader, Nobel laureate, Muhammad Yunus, 84, came back to the country to lead a temporary administration facing the monumental challenge of ending disorder. Yunus has said that the restoration of law and order is the first priority of the caretaker administration. Hassan steps down AFP reported that several top appointees have been forced out of office, including the national police chief and the central bank governor, after Sheikha Hasina's resignation. Also watch | Will normalcy return to Bangladesh? × Obaidul Hassan resigned from the chief justice's post after hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Supreme Court demanding he step down. Hassan was appointed last year. Earlier, he oversaw a much-criticised war crimes tribunal that ordered the execution of Hasina's opponents. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh gets new chief justice: Who is Syed Refaat Ahmed?

Lawmakers in the US Congress are batting for imposing&nbsp;sanctions against officials who served under former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The proposal comes days after media reports claimed that Hasina's visa for the US was revoked by the authorities as she sought political asylum.&nbsp;

Senator Van Hollen, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee took the lead in bringing the sanctions.&nbsp;Hollen referred to&nbsp;Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of Hasina's Awami League Party and&nbsp;Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who served as the home minister during Hasina's tenure.&nbsp;

"The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we're calling upon the administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh," said&nbsp;Van Hollen.&nbsp;

Five other congressional Democrats also supported the demand and sent the letter to&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging sanctions on those officials.

Notably, Washington had not approved of Hasina's latest tenure when she secured a fourth straight term in January. US State Department said the polls were not free and fair and sided with the opposition parties.&nbsp;

However, the White House has formally welcomed the appointment of a new caretaker government without any delay.&nbsp;An interim government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in on Thursday (Aug 8) to hold elections in the South Asian nation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-sheikh-hasina-disappointed-and-disheartened-claims-his-son-joy-747535" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina disappointed and disheartened, claims his son Joy</a>

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<h2>Did the US revoke Hasina's visa?</h2>

Several media outlets carried the story after Hasina fled to India and waited for some of the Western nations, including the US to accept her asylum request.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, dismissed the media reports stating that no one had revoked the visa of the Awami League leader and neither had she applied for asylum anywhere.&nbsp;

"No one has revoked her visa. She has not applied for political asylum anywhere. Those are all rumours," said Joy.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/concerning-vp-dhankhar-condemns-congress-for-bangladesh-could-happen-in-india-remark-749025">Also read |&nbsp;‘Concerning,’ VP Dhankhar condemns Congress for ‘Bangladesh could happen in India’ remark</a>

After the students' quota protest went out of control leading to over 300 deaths, Hasina was forced to resign as the PM.&nbsp;Speaking to WION, Joy&nbsp;said Bangladesh was on its way to becoming the next Pakistan as anarchy was rampant.&nbsp;

"After all she [Hasina] has done, after all the development, Bangladesh will now become Pakistan," said Wazed.&nbsp;

"Developments in Bangladesh are terrible. It's anarchy, you have no rule of law. You have mobs running the streets, vandalising homes, factories and from what I've heard now they're attacking minorities. You know, the militants are attacking minorities and Hindu temples. So Bangladesh is actually in a state of anarchy."

Joy cleared that his mother was neither planning to return to Bangladesh nor foray into the political landscape.

(With inputs from agencies)

Lawmakers in the US Congress are batting for imposing sanctions against officials who served under former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The proposal comes days after media reports claimed that Hasina's visa for the US was revoked by the authorities as she sought political asylum.

Lawmakers in the US Congress are batting for imposing sanctions against officials who served under former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The proposal comes days after media reports claimed that Hasina's visa for the US was revoked by the authorities as she sought political asylum. Senator Van Hollen, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee took the lead in bringing the sanctions. Hollen referred to Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of Hasina's Awami League Party and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who served as the home minister during Hasina's tenure. "The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we're calling upon the administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh," said Van Hollen. Five other congressional Democrats also supported the demand and sent the letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging sanctions on those officials. Notably, Washington had not approved of Hasina's latest tenure when she secured a fourth straight term in January. US State Department said the polls were not free and fair and sided with the opposition parties. However, the White House has formally welcomed the appointment of a new caretaker government without any delay. An interim government, led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in on Thursday (Aug 8) to hold elections in the South Asian nation. Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina disappointed and disheartened, claims his son Joy Did the US revoke Hasina's visa? Several media outlets carried the story after Hasina fled to India and waited for some of the Western nations, including the US to accept her asylum request. However, Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, dismissed the media reports stating that no one had revoked the visa of the Awami League leader and neither had she applied for asylum anywhere. "No one has revoked her visa. She has not applied for political asylum anywhere. Those are all rumours," said Joy. Also read | ‘Concerning,’ VP Dhankhar condemns Congress for ‘Bangladesh could happen in India’ remark After the students' quota protest went out of control leading to over 300 deaths, Hasina was forced to resign as the PM. Speaking to WION, Joy said Bangladesh was on its way to becoming the next Pakistan as anarchy was rampant. "After all she [Hasina] has done, after all the development, Bangladesh will now become Pakistan," said Wazed. "Developments in Bangladesh are terrible. It's anarchy, you have no rule of law. You have mobs running the streets, vandalising homes, factories and from what I've heard now they're attacking minorities. You know, the militants are attacking minorities and Hindu temples. So Bangladesh is actually in a state of anarchy." Joy cleared that his mother was neither planning to return to Bangladesh nor foray into the political landscape. (With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers urge sanctions on ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's officials

Former&nbsp;Bangladesh prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, has alleged that the United States engineered her ouster from power and the country after she refused to cede sovereignty of St. Martin&nbsp;Island, which would have given Washington control over the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;

Located&nbsp;in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, St. Martin Island is just three square kilometres in area, but its geopolitical significance is immense.&nbsp;

"I resigned so that I did not have to see the procession of dead bodies. They wanted to come to power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow it. I resigned from premiership,"&nbsp;Hasina was quoted as saying by an&nbsp;Economic Times report.&nbsp;

"I could have remained in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal. I beseech to the people of my land, please do not be manipulated by radicals," she added.&nbsp;

"Maybe, if I had stayed in the country, more lives would have been lost. I have removed myself. You were my strength, you did not want me, so I have left."

As for the student&nbsp;anti-quota protests, Hasina clarified her 'Razakar' remarks. The term is used to refer to a paramilitary force recruited by the Pakistani army during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.&nbsp;

“I have never called you as Razakars. My words were twisted to incite unrest. I urge you to watch the full video of that day. Conspirators exploited your innocence to destabilise our nation.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-sheikh-hasina-disappointed-and-disheartened-claims-his-son-joy-747535" target="_blank">Watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina disappointed and disheartened, claims his son Joy</a>

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<h2>Hasina-US relations</h2>

This is the first time since Hasina fled to New Delhi after resigning as the PM that she has spoken about the events that forced her to take such a drastic decision.&nbsp;

Washington and Dhaka had been at loggerheads for some time when Hasina was in power. The friction was evident when Hasina won a fourth straight term in January but the US State Department did not accept the results saying the polls were not free and fair.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/concerning-vp-dhankhar-condemns-congress-for-bangladesh-could-happen-in-india-remark-749025" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;‘Concerning,’ VP Dhankhar condemns Congress for ‘Bangladesh could happen in India’ remark</a>

Earlier on Sunday (Aug 11), reports emerged that several senators in the US Congress were urging the White House to impose sanctions against officials who served under Hasina over humanitarian abuse allegations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we're calling upon the administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh," said&nbsp;Van Hollen, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.&nbsp;

Five other congressional Democrats also supported the demand and sent the letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging sanctions on those officials.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Bangladesh prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, has alleged that the United States engineered her ouster from power and the country after she refused to cede sovereignty of St.

Former Bangladesh prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, has alleged that the United States engineered her ouster from power and the country after she refused to cede sovereignty of St. Martin Island, which would have given Washington control over the Bay of Bengal. Located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, St. Martin Island is just three square kilometres in area, but its geopolitical significance is immense. "I resigned so that I did not have to see the procession of dead bodies. They wanted to come to power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow it. I resigned from premiership," Hasina was quoted as saying by an Economic Times report. "I could have remained in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal. I beseech to the people of my land, please do not be manipulated by radicals," she added. "Maybe, if I had stayed in the country, more lives would have been lost. I have removed myself. You were my strength, you did not want me, so I have left." As for the student anti-quota protests, Hasina clarified her 'Razakar' remarks. The term is used to refer to a paramilitary force recruited by the Pakistani army during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. “I have never called you as Razakars. My words were twisted to incite unrest. I urge you to watch the full video of that day. Conspirators exploited your innocence to destabilise our nation.” Watch | Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina disappointed and disheartened, claims his son Joy Hasina-US relations This is the first time since Hasina fled to New Delhi after resigning as the PM that she has spoken about the events that forced her to take such a drastic decision. Washington and Dhaka had been at loggerheads for some time when Hasina was in power. The friction was evident when Hasina won a fourth straight term in January but the US State Department did not accept the results saying the polls were not free and fair. Also read | ‘Concerning,’ VP Dhankhar condemns Congress for ‘Bangladesh could happen in India’ remark Earlier on Sunday (Aug 11), reports emerged that several senators in the US Congress were urging the White House to impose sanctions against officials who served under Hasina over humanitarian abuse allegations. "The Bangladeshi leaders who orchestrated this brutal crackdown must be held accountable, which is why we're calling upon the administration to sanction General Secretary Quader and Home Affairs Minister Khan, as we continue working to support a peaceful and democratic Bangladesh," said Van Hollen, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Five other congressional Democrats also supported the demand and sent the letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging sanctions on those officials. (With inputs from agencies)

Sheikh Hasina blames US for ouster as PM, cites her refusal to surrender St. Martin Island as cause

India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday (Aug 10) condemned the opposition Congress party over remarks prophesying Bangladesh-like anti-government uprising in India. Bangladesh has been rocked by violent anti-government student protests over the past weeks, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina and the formulation of an interim government.

Dhankhar stopped short of naming anyone but it was obvious he was referring to remarks made by Congress leaders Salman Khurshid and Mani Shankar Aiyar.

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Be on watch out!! 
 
Efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our Bharat, is deeply concerning. 
 
How can a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament, and the other who has seen enough of Foreign Service… <a href="https://t.co/MWEoz1Ao1C">pic.twitter.com/MWEoz1Ao1C</a>
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“Be on watch out!! Efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our Bharat, is deeply concerning,” the Vice President said at the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rajasthan High Court. “How can a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament (Khurshid), and the other (Aiyar) who has seen enough of Foreign Services takes no time in saying that what happened in the neighbourhood will happen in India?” he questioned.

<h2>Congress leaders’ controversial remarks</h2>

While speaking at a book release event&nbsp;on Tuesday (Aug 6), Salman Khurshid said that though "everything may look normal on the surface", what is happening in Bangladesh could happen in India.

PM Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quickly targeted&nbsp;Congress over the remarks, dubbing it as a “warning” from the opposition party.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjNq-WQ3-qHAxX9S2wGHb8DLSYQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-embassy-in-delhi-says-indian-nationals-voluntarily-contracted-for-military-service-748999" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-embassy-in-delhi-says-indian-nationals-voluntarily-contracted-for-military-service-748999&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjNq-WQ3-qHAxX9S2wGHb8DLSYQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Russian embassy in Delhi says Indian nationals `voluntarily contracted for military service`</a>

“This is a serious issue. When we are witnessing such a situation in neighbouring countries, the main opposition party Congress wants the same situation in India," BJP MP Sambit Patra told reporters outside Parliament.

Another Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma from the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh made a similar comment, saying people in India would one day ‘storm’ the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

<h2>Bangladesh situation</h2>

In neighbouring Bangladesh, PM Hasina was forced to tender her resignation and flee the nation after deadly riots posed a direct challenge to her 15-year rule.

Watch:&nbsp;New Red Line for India’s Rupee is forming as pressure mounts

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Even the Bangladesh army reportedly refused to implement Hasina’s curfew order, which left her vulnerable and with no option but to hang up her boots.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday (Aug 10) condemned the opposition Congress party over remarks prophesying Bangladesh-like anti-government uprising in India.

India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday (Aug 10) condemned the opposition Congress party over remarks prophesying Bangladesh-like anti-government uprising in India. Bangladesh has been rocked by violent anti-government student protests over the past weeks, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the formulation of an interim government. Dhankhar stopped short of naming anyone but it was obvious he was referring to remarks made by Congress leaders Salman Khurshid and Mani Shankar Aiyar. Be on watch out!! Efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our Bharat, is deeply concerning. How can a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament, and the other who has seen enough of Foreign Service… pic.twitter.com/MWEoz1Ao1C — Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) August 10, 2024 × “Be on watch out!! Efforts by some to infuse a narrative that what happened in our neighbourhood is bound to happen in our Bharat, is deeply concerning,” the Vice President said at the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rajasthan High Court. “How can a citizen of this country having been a Member of Parliament (Khurshid), and the other (Aiyar) who has seen enough of Foreign Services takes no time in saying that what happened in the neighbourhood will happen in India?” he questioned. Congress leaders’ controversial remarks While speaking at a book release event on Tuesday (Aug 6), Salman Khurshid said that though "everything may look normal on the surface", what is happening in Bangladesh could happen in India. PM Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quickly targeted Congress over the remarks, dubbing it as a “warning” from the opposition party. Also read: Russian embassy in Delhi says Indian nationals `voluntarily contracted for military service` “This is a serious issue. When we are witnessing such a situation in neighbouring countries, the main opposition party Congress wants the same situation in India," BJP MP Sambit Patra told reporters outside Parliament. Another Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma from the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh made a similar comment, saying people in India would one day ‘storm’ the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bangladesh situation In neighbouring Bangladesh, PM Hasina was forced to tender her resignation and flee the nation after deadly riots posed a direct challenge to her 15-year rule. Watch: New Red Line for India’s Rupee is forming as pressure mounts × Even the Bangladesh army reportedly refused to implement Hasina’s curfew order, which left her vulnerable and with no option but to hang up her boots. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Concerning,’ VP Dhankhar condemns Congress for ‘Bangladesh could happen in India’ remark

Bangladesh protesters wants other 6 judges to resign

Bangladesh crisis: Obaidul Hassan steps down, Ashfaqul Islam becomes acting Chief Justice

Long-time Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina had not resigned as prime minister before fleeing this week to India as anti-government protesters marched on her official residence, her son and adviser told Reuters early on Saturday.

Bangladesh crisis: 232 killed in violence since Hasina fled Bangladesh

Bangladesh crisis: Chief Justice steps down after protesters give one-hour ultimatum

Bangladesh crisis: Bangladesh's PM Sheikh Hasina did not get time to resign, says son

At least 12 inmates were killed and hundreds of others escaped prison in twin jailbreaks in Bangladesh in the chaotic days after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the news agency AFP reported on Saturday (Aug 10) citing officials.

At least 12 inmates were killed and hundreds of others escaped prison in twin jailbreaks in Bangladesh in the chaotic days after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the news agency AFP reported on Saturday (Aug 10) citing officials. According to the news agency, this week's twin jailbreaks, both north of the capital Dhaka, were the latest in a series of breakouts during weeks of nationwide unrest leading up to Hasina's toppling. On Monday, when Hasina stepped down as prime minister and fled Bangladesh, more than 500 inmates fled a jail in the northern district of Sherpur. 'They attacked us with iron rods, sharp weapons' Jamalpur Prison warden Abu Fatah told the news agency that six convicts were killed after prison guards were assaulted by escapees. "They attacked us with iron rods and sharp weapons. They torched my office. Then tried to break out and take all 600 prisoners with them," Fatah said. Also read | Bangladesh Hindus protest amid growing violence He added that jail authorities were forced to open fire. "At least six inmates were killed including one who was stabbed to death," the warden further said and pointed out that guards managed to quell the attack before anyone escaped. The six prisoners who were killed belonged to a high-security prison in Kashimpur, the prison's warden Lutfor Rahman told AFP. Rahman said that on Tuesday, the inmates used iron tools and rebar rods to attack guards and broke through the jail's main gate, forcing army soldiers and jail guards to open fire. "At least 203 prisoners also managed to escape," he said. The Kashimpur High-Security Prison hosts some of Bangladesh's most notorious convicts, including Islamist extremists and murderers. Rahman said none of the high-profile inmates had managed to break out of their cells. Numerous attempted and successful jailbreaks have taken place across Bangladesh since protests against quotas in government jobs began last month. Police unions declare strike AFP reported that over 450 people died during weeks of clashes between police and protesters leading up to Hasina's ouster, including dozens of police officers. Police unions declared a strike on Tuesday and said officers would not resume duty until their safety was assured. More than half of the country's police stations have since reopened (With inputs from agencies)

At least 12 inmates killed in twin jailbreaks in Bangladesh days after Hasina's ouster

The son of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed has said that her mother "is back in a leadership role" and is in touch with many Awami League party leaders.

The son of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed has said that her mother "is back in a leadership role" and is in touch with many Awami League party leaders. Hasina, who was the prime minister of Bangladesh for 15 years and provided economic stability to the country was toppled after widespread protests on 5th August. Since then she has been in India. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, she has "not applied for asylum in any country" so far and "eventually wants to go back to Bangladesh. She does not want to spend her life outside". After Hasina's exit from Bangladesh, a new interim government under Muhammad Yunus has taken charge. Asked about his view on the new government in Dhaka, he termed it an "unconstitutional government". Full interview: Sidhant Sibal, WION: How do you see the situation in Bangladesh? It's almost a few days now since Sheik Hasina left the country, and we have seen violence, especially targeting the minorities, the Hindu minorities. Sajeeb Wazed: Thank you for having me. Yes, for the last few days, especially since my mother left, it has been a state of complete anarchy in Bangladesh, because the police were initially blamed for violence against protesters, and then the police were attacked. Policemen were being attacked throughout the country. So all the police have quit. They were afraid of the uniform, and they had completely abandoned their posts. So there are no police anywhere in Bangladesh. It is completely lawless. For the first two days, there were attacks, targeted attacks, mostly on our Awami League supporters and activists, as well as the minorities, who are mostly the Awami League supporters. We have reorganised the Awami League and reactivated them so that now they are safeguarding themselves. The situation, you know, it's not as bad as it was yesterday, but there's still a complete state of anarchy. There is looting, rioting and looting going on throughout the country, in all the cities. Sidhant Sibal, WION: Talking about your mother, she's here in India. She reached India on the fifth of August itself. What is the current status and what's the next plan for your mother? Is she seeking asylum in a third country? Sajeeb Wazed: So no, at this point, no decision has been made. I know there are a lot of rumours going around, but my mother has not applied for asylum in any country. She has not made any plans. She really did not want to leave Bangladesh. It's her home. She loves the country, and even after politics, she wanted to retire and live there. And so she does eventually want to go back to Bangladesh. She does not want to spend her life outside. So we're waiting to see how the situation plays out, whether she returns to politics or not, she would like to go back to Bangladesh. Sidhant Sibal, WION: You said she would like to go back to Bangladesh. You also said earlier this week that it is unlikely that you will come back to politics. But essentially, if you can give us any timeline, when is the plan to go back to Bangladesh? Will this be seen as a U-turn? Because you were earlier saying that there is no plan to go to Bangladesh now... Sajeeb Wazed: Yes, you're absolutely right. It is a complete U-turn. Because initially, when this happened, we as a family, decided that, no, we wanted to be done with Bangladesh politics. The rest of our family, we've been settled abroad. I have been settled in the US for almost 30 years. Whether I go to Bangladesh or not doesn't make a difference. My mother is the only one who is living in Bangladesh, and she really does not want to leave the country, but we all thought that she would be safer outside. Unfortunately, what we saw was once our family gave up, and made that declaration, then the attacks on our party members increased because I think then the militants, whoever was attacking, thought, okay, now the Awami league is weak. The Awami League has no chance of coming back without strong leadership. That is why we as a family made the decision that we cannot let the Awami League suffer. So the U-turn wasn't because of us, because of what we wanted, it was for the sake of Awami league, for the sake of our party. It is still the oldest and largest political party in Bangladesh. We have tens of millions of supporters. We have hundreds of thousands of party members throughout the country. We can't abandon them. Sidhant Sibal, WION: Fifth of August, she came to India on a very short notice. Since then, how many times have you spoken? What is her condition? And essentially, if you can perhaps describe the events of the fifth of August, how disastrous it was, and also in terms of security and safety as well. Sajeeb Wazed: So I've been speaking to her every day. First few days, she was in shock. She was very upset. She was very disappointed with the people of Bangladesh, but now she's in a better mood. Her spirits are up. She's much more determined to fight for her party. She has been in touch with many of our party leaders, so she's now back in leadership mode. In terms of what happened that day. My mother had decided to step down because she didn't want any more bloodshed among students because she was already being blamed, but she wanted to do it in an orderly fashion, she would make a speech, then declare a transition Parliament would then hold new elections, and there would be an orderly transition of power. Instead, before she could do that, the students started to march on the Prime Minister's residence. She had ordered the military not to shoot at the students. So when the protesters, Well, I don't know if they're students anymore, because you see what they're doing. These are not the acts of student protesters. These are mobs and vandals in Bangladesh. So when they approached the army barricade, the soldiers fired in the air, but because they were they did not want to shoot civilians. We did not want them to shoot civilians because it would have been a massacre. And so they passed through the army barricade and started marching towards the Prime Minister's residence. At that point, her security took her to a secure location and then to the military airbase. At the military airbase, the helicopter was ready for her. She asked my aunt to get on the helicopter, but that she would stay behind and at that point, my aunt called me, put me on the phone with her, and I convinced her that, no, you have to leave the country. They will kill you. And so, she left the country, and now you see the result. Sidhant Sibal, WION: August hasn't been a lucky month for your family. Your grandfather was assassinated, and we saw what happened as well on the fifth of August. You also said that she could have been killed. So were there any, I mean, strong assessments that she could be targeted by the mobs? Sajeeb Wazed: Yeah, the mob had announced that it would march on the Prime Minister's residence. That was their goal. That's where they were marching. Now, the Prime Minister's residence is very heavily defended. You have our SSF, which is our special security force. You have our PGR, which is the Prime Minister's Guards Regiment. They are military. They were heavily armed, and they were fully prepared to defend the Prime Minister's residence. Unfortunately, if that were to happen, hundreds, perhaps 1000s of demonstrators would have died, and my mother did not want that. It would have been a bloodbath, if we hadn't allowed them to march on the Prime Minister's residence and the official security had protected the Prime Minister like it is their mandate to do, hundreds, if not 1000s, of protesters would have been massacred, and we did not want that. Sidhant Sibal, WION: We saw the new government under Professor Yunus taking charge yesterday. What's your reaction to taking charge, of the new interim government under Professor Yunus? Sajeeb Wazed: Well, I mean, unfortunately, it is an unconstitutional government. I mean, this is a government that's been appointed. The demonstrators wanted him, but demonstrators are only a small fraction of the population of Bangladesh. They don't represent the people of Bangladesh. There was no election. He's completely unelected. Still, what has happened, has happened. We are in a completely unconstitutional situation, and now we will see how they perform their job, and whether they're even able to restore law and order. First, that is the first priority. And then if they're, you know, then the second priority should be the restoration of constitutional democracy. Let's see what they're able to do. Certainly, I don't think it'd take too long to find out. Sidhant Sibal, WION: So you said the plan is for your mother to go back to Bangladesh. Do you sense that the government will press charges against her when it comes to the usage of force when the protesters were protesting, the protest by the students? Sajeeb Wazed: My mother never ordered the use of force. The violence started, and the police, some police members, used force. Our government had already formed a three-member judicial committee to investigate the killings. They had already suspended the police officers. There was no order. So if you'll remember, when we had the last coup, the military government arrested my mother. They charged her with corruption. It went to trial, and at trial, the case completely fell apart because there was no evidence against my mother. My mother had never been involved in corruption. My family has never been involved in corruption. So yes, they can try, but if they want to do it democratically, they want to do it the proper way, and if they take her to trial, they will never be able to convict her. She did not order any violence against the protesters. Sidhant Sibal, WION: And essentially, have you analysed why this protest happened, in terms of the scale of the protest, and the protest leading to the toppling of a very stable government? Have you analysed, and who do you think is responsible for the developments which have shocked the region and the world as well? Sajeeb Wazed: Well, I strongly believe that there was some foreign intelligence element involved here, because the protests really started. It didn't start because of something our government did. It was a court ruling. You see, the quotas had already been reduced by our governments four years ago, four or five years ago, when the first quota protests happened, but in response to a lawsuit against it, the quotas were reinstated by the courts, and our government had filed an appeal to the Supreme Court. So our government was fighting that. There was no need for the protest to continue. We believe that there were outside elements, extremist elements, and perhaps a foreign intelligence element, I strongly suspect ISI was feeding this. So the reason I believe that is even after we appealed to the Supreme Court and we assured the protesters that we would reduce the quotas, they took one of the quotes from my mother out of context. The police tried to stop the violence, but in trying to stop the violence, some of the police used excessive force. Now, our government reacted to all of this. Our government stopped the violence immediately. Our government suspended all the police officers who used excessive force immediately, and we formed a three-member judicial commission to investigate all the deaths. So we did everything to correct whatever went wrong. These weren't orders from the top. These were individuals at the ground level acting on their own or reacting, and our government stopped it and corrected it. And then we invited my mother herself, invited the protesters for dialogue. We actually expedited the Supreme Court hearing, and we overturned the protest, and it was all done. Finished. After that, the protesters started demanding. They decided they had one point, which would be the toppling of the government, and then they started attacking the police with firearms. So all this sequence that no matter when however we resolve the situation. Somebody kept inciting the situation, further inflaming it, and then they armed the protesters. The only agency that would arm and provide weapons, is our militants, or foreign intelligence service. Sidhant Sibal, WION: So you mentioned about foreign intelligence. You also mentioned ISI, which is Pakistan's intelligence arm, you can elaborate on what you suspect as their role in the protest and the eventual toppling up of a very stable Hasina government. Sajeeb Wazed: I mean, I believe the role was on social media and online and spending money in the media to inflame the situation and then supplying weapons that I believe is what the actions were. Sidhant Sibal, WION: Sir, do you suspect the involvement of any other country, perhaps China or the US? Sajeeb Wazed: I'm positive China is not involved, because China has never interfered in our internal affairs, but the US, who knows, it's entirely possible. Sidhant Sibal, WION: So do you suspect an American role as well? Sajeed Wazed: I have no evidence. I cannot say definitively, but I wouldn't rule it out. Sidhant Sibal, WION: What next for Bangladesh? What's your assessment? What will happen in Bangladesh? Sajeeb Wazed: Well, look, we have seen these interim governments in Bangladesh before. These governments were picked by a handful of individuals, consisting of elites. The last time we had that was in 2007 - 2008. That Government failed to run the country. The economy completely stalled. They were they could not control it, it became completely corrupt. We shall see what happens with this government. Now that's why I feel that this government's priority should be to hold elections as soon as possible and return to democracy. Because they are an undemocratic government. They are unelected. Now, it doesn't matter if a small group of protesters wants them, and mind you, 20,000 or even 50,000 protesters in Bangladesh are a tiny fraction of the population. We have 170 million people. They do not represent the will of the majority at all. So it is a completely unconstitutional situation. It is a completely undemocratic government. But we shall see, if they don't hold elections soon and try to hold onto power, I think Bangladesh is going to end up like Pakistan or Afghanistan. Sidhant Sibal, WION: You also, in the past, have mentioned in an interview that it can end up like Pakistan. So in terms of what element of Pakistan, Do you see continuous instability in Bangladesh now? Sajeeb Wazed: Without the Awami League, without a strong government, you see the only strong government Bangladesh has had in its history, and this is a proven track record that has provided stability. And you have said this, no one can deny it. Everyone has said this, and everyone says this, the only government in the history of Bangladesh that has provided stability, security and economic growth has been Sheikh Hasina's government. No other government has been able to do it. So there is a right answer right there. Without Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's economy will stagnate. It will never be stable. It will never be secure. Sidhant Sibal, WION: And so in terms of your involvement in Bangladeshi politics, or your sister's involvement in Bangladeshi politics, could be in future, not tomorrow or this year, perhaps the next five years or 10 years. You are also coming to Bangladesh, your sister is also coming to Bangladesh, and playing an important role in Bangladeshi politics. Can we see that? Sajeeb Wazed: I can't really answer that my family, myself included, we've never been interested in politics. The only reason, and in fact, you heard me on Monday that my family was done with politics because that was our intent, the only reason I am staying involved, the only reason I change direction, is because our people were being killed, and I have to do whatever it is for them. So the reality is, that BNP and Awami are the two largest political parties in Bangladesh. Whenever there is a democracy, whenever you have elections, one of these two parties is going to win power. Power is going to switch between these two parties for the foreseeable future. No one can stop it, both of us. That's not going to go away anytime soon, no matter what anyone tries to do. So I don't know about myself personally, but Awami League will be back in power someday, whether it's sooner or later, it is inevitable. Sidhant Sibal, WION: We saw visuals as well, visuals of your grandfather's statue being vandalized, your mother's pictures being torn, what do you have to say about that? Sajeeb Wazed: I am really, really disappointed, and disgusted with these protesters.

Sheikh Hasina back in leadership role, says her son Sajeeb Wazed

The Son of former Bangladesh PM Shiekh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed has said that her mother "is back in leadership role" and is in touch with many Awami League party leaders. Hasina, prime minister of Bangladesh for 15 years that provided the country economic stability was toppled after widespread protests in the country on 5th August. Since then is in India. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, she has "not applied for asylum in any country" so far and "eventually want to go back to Bangladesh. She does not want to spend her life outside". After Hasina's exist, a new interim govt under Muhammad Yunus has taken charge. Asked about his view on the new govt in Dhaka, he termed it "unconstitutional government".

Mother back in leadership role, says Sajeeb Wazed, son of Hasina

The son of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed has said that her mother "is back in a leadership role" and is in touch with many Awami League party leaders. Hasina, who was the prime minister of Bangladesh for 15 years and provided economic stability to the country was toppled after widespread protests on 5th August. Since then she has been in India. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, she has "not applied for asylum in any country" so far and "eventually wants to go back to Bangladesh. She does not want to spend her life outside".

Bangladesh Crisis: Foreign hand in toppling the govt? | WION Exclusive Interview

Three of India's neighbouring countries- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan- have witnessed unusual shifts in their political environment including calls for politicians to step down and mass protests against ruling governments which often took a violent turn, killing and injuring numerous people.

Three of India's neighbouring countries- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan- have witnessed unusual shifts in their political environment including calls for politicians to step down and mass protests against ruling governments which often took a violent turn, killing and injuring numerous people. Several demonstrators also faced arrest and detention. Here's a look at what has happened in these three South Asian countries so far: Bangladesh: Anti-govt protests, Hasina's resignation, formation of new interim govt > A political crisis broke out in Bangladesh as students launched protests against the civil service job quotas last month. Students protested against public sector job quotas, which included a 30 per cent reservation for family members of freedom fighters from the 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan. > The protests, which ousted Sheikh Hasina from the prime minister's post, were also fuelled by harsh economic conditions and political repression. The COVID-19 pandemic damaged the $450 billion economy after years of strong growth, leading to high inflation, unemployment, and shrinking reserves. > Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh's PM on Monday (August 5) and fled the country. The nationwide violence killed about 300 people and injured thousands. Several protesters were also detained. > Hasina is currently in India, staying in a safe house in New Delhi. As per media reports, she plans to seek asylum in Britain, but the British Home Office has declined to comment. > Following Hasina's resignation, a caretaker government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on Thursday, which will be tasked with holding elections. Sri Lanka: Deep financial crisis causes widespread agitation > A deep financial crisis in Sri Lanka left the country struggling to pay for imports of food, medicine and fuel and brought thousands of protesters onto the streets in March 2022. Protests escalated with sit-in demonstrations outside then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office aimed at removing the president to pave the way for political reforms. > Widespread clashes broke out between pro- and anti-government protesters. The countrywide violence left nine dead and hundreds injured. Eventually Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned from his post. > This was Sri Lanka's worst economic crisis in 75 years. > In July 2022, Ranil Wickremesinghe became the country's president, and the new government reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a loan of about $2.9 billion. > On November 14, Sri Lanka's budget laid down several measures, including reducing the government's deficit in its efforts to secure the IMF bailout. In January 2023, India told the IMF that it would support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring plan. > Also in January last year, the Export-Import Bank of China offered Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on its debt and said it would support the country's efforts to secure the IMF loan. > Sri Lanka would be holding its first presidential election since the unrest, on September 21 this year. Pakistan: Imran Khan's ouster, his imprisonment, elections > In April 2022, cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan was ousted as Pakistan's prime minister. He became the PM in 2018. > Khan, the chairperson of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was removed from the top post through a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. He blamed the military for his ouster. No Pakistani prime minister has completed a full five-year term in office, and most have served time in jail. > Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Shehbaz Sharif was sworn in as the new PM > Imran Khan was convicted in four cases ahead of the February national election this year and has been in jail since August last year, but all of the sentences against him have since been overturned or suspended. He was jailed on dozens of charges ranging from corruption to leaking state secrets. > The Pakistan military said that Khan and his party were behind attacks on military installations last year during widespread protests against his detention. > In this election, candidates backed by Khan gained the most seats but the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) agreed to form a coalition government, which enabled Shehbaz Sharif to be elected as prime minister for a second term. > Imran Khan's imprisonment has added to political volatility in Pakistan, which has experienced a prolonged economic crisis and last month received a bailout from the IMF. > Recently, analysts told the news agency Reuters that the instability since Khan's ouster has driven Islamabad to accept the IMF's painful fiscal consolidation requirements. (With inputs from agencies)

Crisis in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan: What's going on with India's neighbours?

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