Sheikh Hasina Critiques Tarique Rahman's Absence at BRICS Summit

Former Prime Minister's Concerns

New Delhi, Oct 14: Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has labeled Tarique Rahman's choice to miss the BRICS summit in India as "immature," asserting that it has harmed the national interests of Bangladesh. She cautioned that foreign policy influenced by personal feelings or short-term political motives is ultimately detrimental.

In a recent interview, Hasina expressed that Bangladesh's involvement in the summit could have paved the way for significant economic and social advancements, a chance that has now been squandered.

She remarked that if Rahman's absence was due to her presence in New Delhi, it is regrettable, as the relationship between nations should not be dictated by individual sentiments or political sensitivities.

Hasina emphasized that a responsible government should work to "open doors for the country, not close them." New Delhi had invited Rahman to the BRICS summit in his capacity as the current chair of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).

Despite the invitation, Rahman chose not to attend the summit held on September 12 and 13.

"It is truly unfortunate that Bangladesh opted out of participation. I consider it an immature decision that does not align with the national interest of Bangladesh," Hasina stated.

She further explained that BRICS is more than just a diplomatic meeting; it unites significant emerging economies and fosters opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, and development. By attending, Bangladesh could have acquired valuable insights and opened new avenues for its growth.

Hasina reiterated that foreign policy should not be shaped by personal reactions or fleeting political calculations.

"India is our closest neighbor and a vital historical ally, but engaging with BRICS is also about Bangladesh's standing in the global arena," she added.

The 78-year-old Hasina, who has been residing in Delhi since her government fell in August 2024 amid widespread protests, recalled how former Prime Minister Ziaur Rahman visited New Delhi in 1979 while she was also in India.

"After the assassination of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the subsequent killings of four national leaders in Dhaka Central Jail, Ziaur Rahman assumed power through unconstitutional means," Hasina explained in response to written inquiries.

"Yet, when he traveled to Delhi in 1979, I was living there. My presence did not hinder his visits to either city," she noted.

"So, why should my presence in Delhi prevent Tarique Rahman from visiting India today? What is the underlying reason for such a decision?" she questioned.

Hasina stressed that the relations between two nations should not be influenced by personal issues or political sensitivities surrounding an individual.

She also pointed out how her administration's foreign policy approach contributed to Bangladesh's economic progress.

"During my time in office, we fostered strong ties with India while also enhancing cooperation with China, Russia, Japan, the United States, Europe, and various other partners," she stated.

"Having a friendship with one nation does not necessitate hostility towards another. Bangladesh requires a mature, balanced, and confident foreign policy. A responsible government should open doors for the country, not close them," she concluded.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have faced new challenges following Hasina's virtual media interaction in New Delhi on August 5.

After this event, Dhaka reiterated its demand for her extradition and even attempted to link it to Rahman's intended visit to India. New Delhi distanced itself from the situation, clarifying that it neither facilitated the event nor endorsed Hasina's remarks.

Hasina criticized the Rahman administration for its overall foreign policy direction, asserting it should be "independent, balanced, and guided by national interest."

"The principle established by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, remains the best guide: friendship to all, malice to none. India is Bangladesh's closest neighbor and historic ally from the Liberation War," she remarked.

"China is also a crucial development partner. Japan, the United States, Europe, ASEAN, and the Muslim world are all significant to Bangladesh. The issue is not engaging with China or any other nation. The problem arises when one relationship is leveraged against another," she explained.

"It begins when anti-India rhetoric is promoted for domestic political gain. It escalates when major decisions are made without transparency," she added.

Hasina stated that Bangladesh is currently facing a "grave national crisis as democratic space has been restricted."

"The judiciary has been weaponized for political retribution. Media freedom has been curtailed. Law and order have deteriorated. Minorities feel threatened. Extremist groups have regained ground. The economy has suffered," she lamented.

"This is no longer just an Awami League issue. It is a national crisis. One of the largest political forces in the country has been banned. Its leaders are imprisoned or forced into hiding," she stated.

"Millions of its supporters have been stripped of their basic political rights. A nation cannot achieve stability by excluding such a significant portion of its populace. The suffering is widespread, but Awami League leaders, workers, and supporters have endured unprecedented political persecution," she added.

Hasina, while not providing specific details about her return to Bangladesh, mentioned that she aims to restore democracy.

"Thousands have been incarcerated, many more have gone into hiding, and families have lost their homes, jobs, businesses, and livelihoods solely due to their political affiliations," she said.

"My return is part of the struggle to restore democracy, voting rights, and the rule of law. I want to stand with the people of Bangladesh, advocate for their rights, and help bring back democracy, security, and development in my country," she expressed.

"The people of Bangladesh must be allowed to determine their own future through free, fair, and inclusive elections. That is why my return will hold significance. It will be a step towards returning Bangladesh to its citizens," she added.

At the same time, she acknowledged that her return could be perilous, as a Bangladeshi court has sentenced her to death, but she affirmed that she is not afraid.

"This is not the first time I have faced death. In 1975, my father, mother, brothers, and nearly my entire family were killed. In 1981, despite military rule and intimidation, I returned to Bangladesh. There have been numerous assassination attempts, including the grenade attack on August 21, 2004, as well as imprisonment, conspiracy, and political persecution," the Awami League leader recounted.

"The greater concern today is not my personal safety. It is the erosion of justice in Bangladesh. A death sentence handed down through a politically motivated process, without a fair chance to defend oneself, cannot be deemed justice," she concluded.