Farida Akhtar, adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock of the interim government, has said that India is instilling fear in people of Bangladesh by citing incidents of oppression against minorities, especially Hindus, and keeping Sheikh Hasina as their puppet.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organized by the "Gonoakankha Moncho" at Nasrul Hamid Auditorium, Dhaka Reporters' Unity, on Saturday, she made these remarks.
Farida Akhtar said: "Did India manage to prevent the uprising in July-August? They sheltered Hasina, but could they keep her in power in Bangladesh? So why should we fear India? The change we wanted was brought by our youth. They have demonstrated to the world, including India, what a mass uprising means. They removed a 15-year-old fascist regime through a mass uprising, something no political party could do. We are not afraid of India. They are creating an imaginary fear to manipulate us. However, this has had a positive impact, as all political parties are now calling for unity, which must be maintained."
She further said: "The interim government is not in power; we are in a position of responsibility, not authority. We cannot govern. Those who get elected should aim to serve rather than rule. This would bring about reform. We no longer want to see anyone in power. Power has shown us how destructive it can be. Those taking responsibility or contesting elections should know they are not stepping into power but service. Otherwise, they have no right to participate in elections."
Hasnat Kaiyum, Chief Coordinator of the State Reform Movement, said: "This change in Bangladesh is different from past uprisings. The goal this time was the removal of the authoritarian government, ensuring no one becomes another Hasina. The current government has been installed to reform the autocratic system, and it must remember this. We want a fair election roadmap, as significant political change has already occurred. However, reforms in Bangladesh are opposed by both the Awami League and India. Hasina and her associates must be brought to justice."
Faruk Wasif, Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh, said: "Though fascism's head is gone, it continues to conspire from India. The wealth and arms left behind by Hasina’s supporters and organizations make governance and reform difficult. Fascism still looms as a fear, creating instability through demands and activities. India's media spreads fake news and rumours."
