“This is a lesson, not only for Bangladesh but for every dictator”: Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 6 (ANI): National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said that the ongoing situation in Bangladesh is a “lesson for every dictator” and added that there comes a time when people run out of patience which was witnessed in Bangladesh.

“There is extreme interest there. Their economy is bad, their internal situation is also not good. The students started a movement that no one could control, neither their Army nor anyone else, so this is a lesson. Not only for Bangladesh but for every dictator. There comes a time when the patience of the people is over and that is what happened,” Farooq Abdullah said while speaking to ANI on Tuesday.

“There (in Bangladesh) was a feeling that a voice should be raised against the oppression being done on Muslims in the world. If she (Sheikh Hasina) did not run from there, she would have been killed too,” he added.

The political situation in Bangladesh remains volatile following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid escalating protests. These demonstrations, largely driven by students demanding an end to the quota system for government jobs, have evolved into broader anti-government protests.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chaired an all-party meeting in Delhi to brief about the situation in Bangladesh.

The meeting was attended by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju, HD Kumaraswamy, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, opposition MPs KC Venugopal, and Supriya Sule among others.

During the meeting, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar briefed the leaders on the current unrest in Bangladesh. After the briefing, Rahul Gandhi voiced serious concerns regarding India’s foreign policy and also expressed his support for the measures taken by the Indian government, emphasising that these actions were in the national interest.

The meeting highlighted the complexities of India’s foreign policy challenges, with leaders from various political parties engaging in a robust discussion on how to navigate the delicate situation in Bangladesh while safeguarding India’s national interests.

Several party members in attendance inquired about the whereabouts of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The government responded, stating, “Sheikh Hasina is in India, and the NSA (National Security Advisor) and his team are taking care of her,” according to sources.

Recent clashes in Dhaka have resulted in at least 135 fatalities, including 14 police officers, with hundreds more injured, according to local media outlets.

Following her resignation, Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening. It is unclear whether she will stay in Delhi or travel to another location, with some reports suggesting she might proceed to London.