NOVANEWS
By Sajjad Shaukat
It is regrettable that Sheikh Hasina Wajid, Prime Minister of Bangladesh and leader of the ruling
party, Awami League (AL) has continuously been acting upon anti-Pakistan policy in order to
appease India which had played a key role in separation of the East Pakistan by manipulating
differences between the Bengalis and the no-Bengalis.
While following pro-Indian tilt, Prime Minister Hasina Wajid maintains an anti-Pakistan posture
with sinister designs of expressing animosity and antagonism. The aim is to exploit feelings of
masses by keeping the “hate Pakistan” agenda alive. This enables Awami League and Hasina
Wajid to remain significant in Bangladesh’s power politics despite their failure to deliver good
governance to the people.
In this regard, obsessed with strong motives of revenge and political expediency, and after
passing of 42 years to the events of 1971, which resulted into the separation of East Pakistan, the
government led by Prime Minister Hasina Wajid hurriedly executed her political opponent,
Abdul Quader Mullah-leader of Jamaat-e-Islami (Jl) because of his loyalty to Pakistan.
When Pakistan’s National Assembly expressed concern over the execution of Quader Mullah,
with the backing of Bangladesh government, a majority of the workers of AL and Bengali
Hindus continued demonstrating outside the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, demanding
the expulsion of the Pakistani envoy. While chanting anti-Pakistani slogans, officially-arranged
protesters in Bangladesh also burnt Pakistan’s flag.
In this connection, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said in a statement that Quader Mullah’s execution
was internal matter of Bangladesh which “is our neighbouring Islamic country…Bangladesh
should avoid blame game and try to further strengthen relations with Pakistan.”
But, by neglecting Islamabad’s positive approach, Bangladesh government has continued its
anti-Pakistan policy to please India. It could be judged from the statement of Prime Minister
Hasina Wajid who vocally said, “Bangladesh has no room for the people loving Pakistan.”
In fact, India has also been employing various tactics to entrap Bangladesh by exploiting her pro-
Indian tilt to fulfill its strategic interests against Pakistan. In this context, Prime Minister Hasina
has been pursuing Indian directions by conducting anti-Pakistan campaign.
In this respect, on the secret insistence of India, unlike the past years, a ceremony was held in
Dhaka on March 24, 2013, with full pump and show to honour ‘Foreign Friends of Bangladesh
Award,’ in relation to the separation of East Pakistan. For this aim, several foreign friends who
included various institutions and media anchors from various countries, particularly India were
invited. The main purpose behind was to distort the image of Pakistan and its armed forces
regarding alleged atrocities, committed against the Bengalis. Notably, in December, 2012, Prime
Minister Hasina Wajid had refused to attend D-8 conference in Islamabad unless Pakistan
tendered apology for the alleged genocide of Bengalis.
While, a famous Bengali journalist Sarmila Bose authored a book, “Dead Reckoning: Memories
of the 1971 Bangladesh War” after thorough investigation. Her book was published in 2011.
While countering exaggerations of the Indian and Bengali Journalists, Bose argues that the
number of Bengalis killed in 1971 was not three million, but around 50,000, while Bengalis were
equally involved in the bloodshed of Punjabis, Biharis, Pashtoons and Balochis.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh and father of Hasina Wajid was already in
connivance with India for separation of East Pakistan. Therefore, when East Pakistan was
occupied by Indian Army in 1971, he stated with pleasure that his 24 years old dream of an
independent Bangladesh had been fulfilled. He had earlier developed his contacts with Indian
rulers and training camps of Mukti Bahini, established by Indian army and RAW which also
funded Mujibur Rehman’s general elections in 1970.
It is mentionable that by ignoring public protests and strikes by students and Islamic parties due
to pro-Indian tilt, Prime Minister Hasina Wajid has given secular orientation to the country by
purging the society from religious touch. She has issued instructions for the removal of some
Islamic books from academic courses.
Particularly, a survey conducted by a local agency pointed out that 98% Bangladeshis do not
want to leave Islamic culture, and also hate undue interference of India in Bangladesh’s affairs.
It is notable that Pakistani businessmen motivated by business interests of both the countries, and
driven by their deeply entrenched longings to revive old relations with Bangladeshi brethren,
decided to invest their capital in Bangladesh. According to the media reports, more than ten
thousand Pakistanis invested billions of dollars in Bangladesh. It was a matter of satisfaction for
all Pakistanis who always wish that the two countries flourish in economic field and acquire
socio-political stability. But, it is misfortune that Bangladesh is rapidly moving towards chaos
and uncertainty. Hence, Pakistani investors in that country are in state of fear because Ms.
Hasina Wajid, and the workers her party, have especially been targeting them in on way or the
Now, it is right hour that Bangladesh should rectify anti-Pakistan policy in order to save the
country from further unrest, and also for regional stability. In this context, Prime Minister Hasina
Wajid must abandon pursuing Indian agenda at the cost of Islamabad which always prefer to
strengthen Pak-Bangladesh relationship. She should also give up politics of revulsion, division
and discord which has been creating anti-Pakistan environment, besides causing uncertainty in
In this regard, S.M. Hali in his article, “Let Bygones be Bygones,” suggest, “The time has come
to bury hatchet and for people of both Bangladesh and Pakistan to let bygones be bygones and
move forward. If we continue to dwell upon the past and do not get rid of the cancer of revulsion
and abhorrence, loss will be ours. The people of Bangladesh must introspectively think who is
behind this machination and driving a wedge between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Awami League
would be better advised to serve its people and solve their domestic issues rather than inculcating
hate. Sheikh Hasina should heed the words of Madeleine L’Engle: “Hate hurts the hater more’n
Nonetheless, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid should take cognizance of the modern world
trends like peaceful settlement of disputes, political stability and regional blocks for economic
development instead of creating an atmosphere of hatred and vengeance. For the purpose, she
should rectify anti-Pakistan policy.
Sajjad Shaukat writes on international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants,
Invisible Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations
