A vast area of eastern Bangladesh and the city of Dhaka are severely affected by flooding. The floods have resulted in several fatalities and displaced millions. Significant damage has been reported to crops, property, livestock, and wildlife. There are claims in Bangladesh that India released water from the Tripura Dam without prior notice, causing the floods in Bangladesh. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor to the Bangladeshi administration, called the Indian High Commissioner to discuss the issue. Nayeedul Islam, a prominent student leader and advisor for Information and Broadcasting, directly accused India of inhuman actions by releasing dam water without warning, thereby submerging Bangladesh.
Nayeedul Islam is a crucial member of the current administration. He led the youth in forcing Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. His direct accusation against India reflects the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people towards India. Among neighboring countries of India, Bangladesh was the only one with good relations with India. If recent changes persist, Bangladesh might distance itself from India. The Indian government is struggling to maintain its dominance and superiority in the region. Some Bangladeshi opinion-makers are discussing a “Greater Bangladesh,” believing that Bangladesh is incomplete without including West Bengal and Assam.
The fate of Sheikh Hasina mirrors that of dictators who consistently think and act similarly, resulting in their downfall. The outcomes of dictators such as Castro in South America and various Pakistani dictators demonstrate this trend globally. In Pakistan, dictatorship has become institutionalized. Sheikh Hasina’s flight from her official residence, seeking refuge in India, and the desecration and destruction of every monument related to Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujib, are both a cautionary tale and a reminder that dictators cannot escape a grim fate. Multiple cases have been filed against Sheikh Hasina, most involving massacres and looting.
Sheikh Hasina may face charges at the International Criminal Court for these massacres. Dr. Yunus has requested the United Nations to investigate these allegations. While this is a typical outcome for dictators, Sheikh Hasina’s case is particularly notable and unique. Her father, Sheikh Mujib, faced public wrath on August 15, 1975, for placing Bangladesh entirely in India’s lap, choking democracy with a one-party system, and declaring himself an absolute ruler. Now, in August 2024, both father and daughter face public protests. Their images have suffered damage, but the loss of innocent lives is deeply regrettable.
During the recent Bangladeshi unrest, protesters reached Sheikh Hasina’s official residence after she had already fled with the help of the military and Indian authorities. She intended to record a message for the nation but was not given the opportunity. Protesters looted and vandalized her residence and factories. Nearly 1,200 statues, portraits, and large images of Sheikh Mujib and Hasina were either toppled or severely damaged, not only in Dhaka but throughout Bangladesh. The residence at 32 Dhanmondi, a museum where Sheikh Mujib and most of his family were killed on August 15, 1975, was set on fire, destroying many historical documents, pictures, and memorabilia. The Mujib Nagar Memorial Complex, where Mujib’s statue stood among other so-called freedom fighters, has become a ruin. The mural depicting General Niazi surrendering to Indian General Aurora may have also been destroyed.
Such actions are erasing signs of India’s role in Bangladesh’s independence. The vandalism of the surrender ceremony mural expresses hatred towards India’s role. This marks a negative turn in Bangladesh-India relations. A video from Bangladesh shows a few youths urinating on a fresco portrait of Sheikh Mujib, an extreme display of hatred. The interim Bangladeshi government has recommended that the national holiday on August 15 be abolished, and it has been removed.
Sheikh Hasina had instructed her supporters and party workers to gather on August 15 to celebrate at Sheikh Mujib’s place of execution. While some people did gather, many youths arrived and drove away the Awami League members. The youths stated they would protect their revolution and not let it be squandered. Bangladesh’s political landscape has changed rapidly, and this upheaval was imminent. India is in deep shock. Our Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, mentioned this change at a youth convention in Islamabad. He should avoid discussing such sensitive topics in public forums.
When rulers speak in assemblies, their statements are often emotional and intended to garner applause. Our focus should remain on praying for the progress, prosperity, and safety of the Bangladeshi people. A journalist from a news agency attempted to understand the recent changes in Bangladesh by contacting several individuals. Bengali writer Sirajul Azim noted that the spirits of Suhrawardy, Maulvi Tamizuddin, and Fazlul Quader questioned why support was given to India.
Our successful movement alleviated that burden. A well-informed retired civil servant explained that the youth believed they had been made a state of India, blaming Sheikh Mujib and his daughter for this. It can be said that the youth’s actions did not just destroy statues of Mujib and Hasina but shattered India’s dominance. Begum Rukia of Rangpur and student Abu Saeed stood defiantly in front of police bullets, saying, “Shoot me, I will not back down.” This spirit defeated the worst dictatorship and freed Bangladesh from Indian hegemony. Bangladeshi students have brought about grassroots change, and their courage and determination should be acknowledged.