Amid escalating violence, political upheaval and rising communal tensions in Bangladesh, voices from across the Indo-Bangladesh border are growing louder in support of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladeshi nationals arriving at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Fulbari, West Bengal, and from regions across northern Bangladesh have expressed deep concern over their country’s deteriorating state, and a clear yearning for Hasina’s leadership during what many describe as a time of “darkness and disorder.”
Speaking to ANI at the border crossing in Jalpaiguri district, several Bangladeshi citizens travelling into India for medical or personal reasons said the situation in their homeland had become untenable, especially for minority communities.
“The situation in Bangladesh is not good. Every day we are receiving reports of violence from different parts of the country. We stand firmly in favour of peace. But peace is yet to return. Despite everything, a large section of the people still demand the return of Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh needs her leadership now more than ever,” said Premananda Roy, a resident of Panchagarh district, to ANI.
Another traveller, Sapna Rani Saha, who came from Nilphamari district for medical treatment in India, told ANI: “There are reports of violence in several parts of Bangladesh. But fortunately, our area remains largely peaceful. Peace is crucial for both our nations. Earlier, we never faced such issues. But now I am experiencing many difficulties at the International Check Post (ICP). Despite being from a doctor’s family, we often had to visit India for better medical treatment. We still want to support Sheikh Hasina, but it’s true she has made some mistakes and now she is paying for that.”
However, not all Bangladeshi voices aligned. KK Sharma, a resident of Thakurgaon, played down the severity of the unrest, telling ANI: “The situation in Bangladesh is not that bad. In my country, there are few issues ongoing regarding the politics. It has been going on since the year 1971 and is still going on. I guess this will continue. Little problems–every country in the world is facing. Our interim government is also running the country well.”
Yet reports of rising death tolls and political clampdowns contradict that optimism. Four people were recently killed and dozens injured in clashes in Gopalganj — Sheikh Hasina’s ancestral stronghold — following a rally by the National Citizen Party (NCP), which was met with violent opposition by Awami League (AL) supporters. The violence occurred despite a government-imposed ban on political activities by the AL.
In response, the Interim Government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has constituted a committee to investigate the violence.
According to ANI, the committee is chaired by Nasimul Ghani, Senior Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, and includes top officials from the Public Administration and Law Ministries. It has been instructed to submit a report within two weeks.
A statement from the Chief Adviser’s Office said: “The Interim Government reiterates its commitment to upholding justice, maintaining public order, and ensuring that those responsible for any unlawful acts, violence and deaths are held accountable in accordance with the law.”
But public trust in the interim regime remains tenuous, especially after Hasina, now in exile in India, released a fiery new audio message – her second in three days – directly attacking the current government and calling for mass uprising.
In a report by Tripura Info, Hasina said: “Use whatever you have and take to the streets. The time for staying silent indoors is over.”
She accused the interim government of aligning with extremist groups and warned: “Those who grabbed power with the support of banned militant organizations have released convicted terrorists. Under their rule, freedom of speech and movement have been stifled. Women and youth have been stripped of their rights.”
Hasina also referred to mass arrests: “Yet Yunus claims people can criticize him freely. But those who do are beaten, tortured, and have their homes torched by militant groups.”
Referring to recent violence, Hasina said: “If we had done to them what they did to us after we came to power in 2009, there would be no trace of them left. Now, they are murdering countless Awami League members and their families. Houses are being set on fire. When they burned down 32 Dhanmondi, three unidentified bodies were seen on Mirpur Road.”
She warned her political enemies: “Be patient—better days will return. Winter doesn’t end with a single cold snap. We will remember every insult. And when the time comes, we will settle every score, down to the last detail.”
Hasina also accused Dr Yunus of manipulating the political narrative and undermining the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father:
“Yunus has made billions, taken foreign money, and is ruining our country. Can someone who truly loves this nation do such a thing? He has no empathy for our people.”
Interestingly, her message has sparked disappointment among some long-time supporters for not mentioning the growing communal violence faced by Hindu and Buddhist minorities — groups that have traditionally supported the Awami League. Sources cited by Tripura Info allege that Hasina’s silence stems from her long-standing strategy of appeasing the Muslim majority while projecting an image of secular leadership.
Exactly one year ago, student protests had triggered the collapse of Hasina’s government in August 2024. Since then, Bangladesh has remained in political limbo under an unelected interim authority. Many Bangladeshis crossing into India appear to feel that — for all her past controversies — the return of Sheikh Hasina could restore some semblance of order.
As one border crosser told ANI: “We may have disagreed with her at times, but she kept the country stable. Right now, Bangladesh is unrecognizable.”
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