Bangladesh Summons Indian High Commissioner Over Sheikh Hasina’s Speech

Dhaka summoned India's Acting High Commissioner, Pawan Badhe, on Thursday after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina claimed that Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, orchestrated a plot to assassinate her.

Hasina made these allegations during a speech to her supporters and Awami League members, which was broadcast live on Facebook. She fled to India after Islamist groups and mobs stormed her residence following the hijacking of a student protest.

The Bangladeshi foreign ministry issued a strong protest, calling Hasina's statements "false and fabricated." A government advisor told local media that the ministry opposed her remarks, including those made on social media.

The interim government led by Yunus has filed cases against Hasina and her family, accusing them of enforced disappearances, corruption, and crimes against humanity during the June-August protests, which resulted in over 800 deaths.

Yunus has urged India to extradite Hasina, arguing that her statements are causing instability in Bangladesh. The protest note handed to the Indian envoy expressed "strong discontent and concern" over her remarks, calling them offensive to the Bangladeshi public.

The foreign ministry urged India to take measures to prevent Hasina from making such statements, stating that they are "hostile" and harmful to bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's interim government is facing challenges in controlling mob violence, vandalism, and attacks on religious minorities. Following Hasina's speech, a mob stormed and vandalized the residence of Bangladesh's founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Dhaka's Dhanmondi area.

The interim government has blamed Hasina for inciting unrest and holding her responsible for the attack.