Hasina Issue Will Not Affect Bangladesh-India Relations: Mirza Fakhrul

In an interview with the Indian newspaper The Hindu, Fakhrul said, "Sheikh Hasina has been convicted of serious human rights violations, and India should hand her over to Bangladesh. However, her stay in India will not impact trade and other relations between Bangladesh and India. We want to build better relations with India."

Fakhrul also mentioned, "Following the 13th National Parliamentary Election, BNP is set to form a government with a two-thirds majority. The oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected Members of Parliament and the Cabinet will be held on Tuesday (February 17)."

He stressed the need to expedite key projects in Bangladesh’s interest and to further strengthen development partnerships with India. Fakhrul expressed optimism, stating, "After the 2024 coup, Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile in India, has been sentenced to death. However, the legal processes against her ministers will continue."

While acknowledging the complexities in India-Bangladesh relations, Fakhrul believes that cooperation should not be hindered. He gave the example of the U.S. and China, who, despite tensions, continue to work together.

He also pointed out that after the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana stayed in India, but BNP leader and former President Ziaur Rahman visited India, and Indian Prime Minister Morarji Desai visited Dhaka.

Fakhrul added that unresolved issues between the two countries, such as the Ganges water-sharing agreement, Farakka water disputes, and border killings, need to be discussed. According to him, there is no room for war between India and Bangladesh, and solutions should be found through dialogue.

He also emphasized the need for consensus-based governance and stated, "The interim government failed to reach national-level consensus after the violent coup in 2024. BNP’s 31-point program will create opportunities for cooperation with India in trade, technology, education, business, and digital infrastructure."

Fakhrul further noted that the new government will be responsible for reducing the burden of loans from the Awami League, reevaluating mega projects, and ensuring effective projects that align with Bangladesh’s interests.