A Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) MP has suggested a potential merger between his party and the Awami League following a significant public address by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Delhi. Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, representing Sunamganj-2, described the Awami League as an “ally” of the ruling party during a recent rally. His comments were reported by the Dhaka-based media outlet Prothom Alo.

Chowdhury’s views reportedly diverge from the opinions of other BNP members and some officials within the Bangladesh government, who maintain a different stance on the Awami League. Despite his position, it appears he may be expressing a minority viewpoint within his own party.

Sheikh Hasina’s Press Conference in Delhi

On August 5, during a press conference hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in Delhi, Sheikh Hasina announced her intention to return to Bangladesh in December. This event marked her first public appearance in two years. The return coincides with the anniversary of the 1971 Liberation War, which was instrumental in Bangladesh achieving independence from Pakistan after significant struggle.

The BNP, which came to power following elections earlier this year led by Tarique Rahman, has consistently demanded the extradition of Hasina from India. The government in Dhaka has previously expressed concerns about her possible use of Indian territory for making political statements that could destabilise Bangladesh.

Prior to the press conference, Zahed Ur Rahman, advisor to Prime Minister Rahman, cautioned local media against broadcasting Hasina’s remarks, highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding her presence in India.

Criticism from BNP Leaders

Following Hasina’s media interaction, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP, voiced strong objections. He accused Hasina of undermining the memory of the July Uprising martyrs by addressing the public from India. Rizvi’s remarks came after a wreath-laying ceremony at the graves of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

According to The Daily Star, Rizvi claimed that Indian policymakers orchestrated the timing of Hasina’s address, labelling it as a deliberate insult to the martyrs of the July 2024 Revolution. He further asserted that allowing Hasina to make statements from Indian soil infringes upon Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Similar sentiments were echoed by officials in Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry, which released a statement condemning the event.

This statement from the Foreign Ministry called the incident an affront to Bangladesh’s sovereignty, asserting that it negatively impacts diplomatic relations with India and disrespects the legacy of the July 2024 Revolution martyrs.

Reactions from Bangladesh’s Acting President

On August 6, Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram responded to Hasina’s plans for December, suggesting that he would eagerly await her return. He stated that if Hasina returns, he hopes to engage with her on the streets of Bangladesh. Ahmed’s comments came during a government event where he also delivered criticism of the Awami League.

He accused the Awami League of not acknowledging allegations related to human rights violations and corruption. Ahmed, who served in the Liberation War at the age of 27, mentioned his readiness to fight for Bangladesh again, underlining his commitment to the country.

The Acting President was appointed following the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin on July 24, due to health concerns. His ascension came during a politically charged period marked by unrest following the BNP’s electoral victory earlier in the year.

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