Pakistan declared its solidarity with the people of Bangladesh on Wednesday after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amidst violent protests demanding her resignation. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed confidence in the resilience and unity of the Bangladeshi people and hoped for a swift return to normalcy.
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Pakistan Stands in Solidarity with the People of Bangladesh
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 7, 2024
Political Developments in Bangladesh
In response to the escalating violence, which was sparked by protests against a controversial quota system reserving 30% of public service jobs for the relatives of war veterans, student leaders, politicians, the President, and the Army chief have agreed to dissolve the Parliament. Nobel laureate and economist Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the chief advisor to the new interim government proposed by the student protesters.
Allegations of External Influence
The protests against the quota system led to widespread violence and disruption, with the Awami League government accused of brutally suppressing dissent. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has alleged that the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, were behind the violence. Jamaat-e-Islami is rumored to have connections with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and reports suggest that students affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami have infiltrated protests, instigating violence and using fake identities.
The Awami League government has recently banned Jamaat-e-Islami, which is also suspected of participating in madrasa activities and the “India Out” campaign following Hasina’s contentious election victory. Indian Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has also suggested the possibility of foreign forces influencing the recent events in Bangladesh.
Ongoing Diplomatic and Political Tensions
The situation highlights complex regional dynamics, including allegations of external influence and internal political struggles, as Bangladesh navigates a period of significant upheaval.