Voicing concern over Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday urged the neighbouring country to respect Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty.
Talking to reporters after placing a wreath at BNP founder Ziaur Rahman's grave, he also reminded India that the people of Bangladesh would not accept it well if it maintains contact exclusively with Sheikh Hasina and her party, adopting a one-sided approach.
"What the Indian Defence Minister said after a meeting with military commanders was alarming. There are questions in the public's mind about whether his comments are intended as provocation," the BNP leader stated.
He questioned whether the Indian minister's remarks were part of India's efforts to comfort Sheikh Hasina and assist her in regaining her dominion. "If not, then why is the Defence Minister speaking in this manner?"
Earlier on Friday, Rajnath Singh urged India's armed forces to analyse the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hamas, Russia and Ukraine, and the current situation in Bangladesh to prepare for the "unexpected".
Rizvi said the people of Bangladesh are now moving freely after driving out the "monster" Sheikh Hasina from the country.
"The fear of arrest or enforced disappearance has disappeared. People are now roaming freely and sleeping peacefully. Don't you (India) appreciate this? Don't the Indian policymakers wish for the return of democracy in Bangladesh, for people to live in peace, and to reside in a sovereign country?" he asked. —UNB
