Farooq Abdullah: Bangladesh’s Unrest a Warning to Dictators Worldwide
National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah has commented on the current situation in Bangladesh, describing it as a “lesson for every dictator.” He emphasized that there comes a point when people’s patience runs out, as seen in Bangladesh.
Abdullah noted the significant interest in the situation, highlighting the country’s poor economy and internal issues. He mentioned that the student-led movement in Bangladesh was uncontrollable by any force, including the Army, serving as a warning to all dictators. “There comes a time when the patience of the people is over, and that is what happened,” he stated in an interview with ANI.
He also pointed out that there was a sentiment in Bangladesh to raise a voice against the global oppression of Muslims. Abdullah suggested that if Sheikh Hasina had not fled, she might have been killed.
The political climate in Bangladesh remains unstable following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid growing protests. Initially sparked by students demanding an end to the government job quota system, these protests have expanded into broader anti-government demonstrations.
In response to the situation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired an all-party meeting in Delhi. The meeting included prominent leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju, HD Kumaraswamy, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, KC Venugopal, and Supriya Sule.
During the meeting, Jaishankar briefed the leaders on the unrest in Bangladesh. Rahul Gandhi expressed serious concerns about India’s foreign policy but supported the government’s measures, emphasizing their alignment with national interests.
The meeting underscored the complexities of India’s foreign policy, with leaders engaging in a robust discussion on managing the delicate situation in Bangladesh while protecting India’s interests.
There were also inquiries about the whereabouts of Sheikh Hasina. The government confirmed that she is in India, under the care of the National Security Advisor and his team.
Recent clashes in Dhaka have resulted in at least 135 deaths, including 14 police officers, and hundreds of injuries, according to local media.
Following her resignation, Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening. It remains unclear whether she will stay in Delhi or travel elsewhere, with some reports suggesting a possible move to London.