Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, Editor of Amar Desh, claimed that the Indian government used geopolitical strategies and regional dominance to support Sheikh Hasina’s undemocratic rule in Bangladesh. However, he said this plan was ultimately destroyed by the people’s uprising in July 2024.
He made these statements during the first international conference held on Sunday at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, Dhaka University, marking the first anniversary of the July Revolution.
Allegations of Indian Backing Behind Hasina’s Rule
According to Mahmudur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina’s regime remained in power for over a decade with direct support from India.
“ভারত সরকারের পৃষ্ঠপোষকতায় একটি অগণতান্ত্রিক সরকার বাংলাদেশে এক যুগ ধরে ক্ষমতায় ছিল। দিল্লি শুধু হাসিনা সরকারকে টিকিয়ে রাখেনি বরং এই অঞ্চলে ‘রিজিওনাল হেজিমনি’ প্রতিষ্ঠার নীতিতে কাজ করেছে।”
“With India’s support, an undemocratic regime stayed in power in Bangladesh for over a decade. Delhi didn’t just help Hasina stay in power, it worked to establish regional hegemony.”
He added that the Bangladeshi people’s united revolution successfully resisted what he described as a “geopolitical conspiracy.”
July Uprising is a Message to the World
Dr. Rahman stated that the July Revolution is not only important for Bangladesh but also sends a warning to all autocrats worldwide.
“জুলাই বিপ্লব প্রমাণ করেছে- জনগণই চূড়ান্ত ক্ষমতার উৎস। ভারতসহ অন্যান্য আন্তর্জাতিক শক্তি এই বিপ্লবের গভীরতা বুঝে উঠতে পারেনি।”
“The July Revolution proved that the people are the ultimate source of power. India and other global powers failed to grasp the depth of this movement.”
He accused the Indian government, particularly the Hindutva-based regime, of supporting Sheikh Hasina’s rule as part of their regional strategy. But now, he said, their diplomatic games and attempts to use the minority card have failed.
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India-Dependent Regime Threatened Sovereignty
Rahman argued that depending on foreign powers undermines a country’s independence.
“একজন শাসক যখন জনগণের ওপর নির্ভর না করে বিদেশি শক্তির ওপর নির্ভর করেন, তখন সে রাষ্ট্রের স্বাধীনতা ও গণতন্ত্রের হুমকি হয়ে দাঁড়ায়।”
“When a ruler depends on foreign forces instead of their people, they become a threat to national independence and democracy.”
He also alleged that after the fall of the Awami League, Sheikh Hasina fled to Delhi and is still receiving full protection from India.
“Let Oppression Never Return Again”
Referring to the events of July 2024, Mahmudur Rahman said the revolution was a moment of liberation from fear and repression:
“জুলাই বিপ্লব কেবল বাংলাদেশের নয় বরং বিশ্বের অন্যান্য স্বৈরশাসকদের জন্য এক সতর্কবার্তা।”
“The July Revolution is not just for Bangladesh, but a warning to all other authoritarian rulers across the world.”
He described it as an example for the Muslim world, showing that people’s power cannot be suppressed forever.
Anti-India Sentiment Has Grown in Bangladesh
Dr. Rahman also claimed that over the past 15 years, anti-India sentiment has grown in Bangladesh due to India’s support for Hasina’s government.
“গত ১৫ বছরে বাংলাদেশে ভারত বিদ্বেষী মনোভাব বেড়েছে এটা দিল্লিকে মেনে নিতে হবে।”
“India must accept that anti-India sentiment has increased in Bangladesh over the past 15 years.”
He said India wanted Hasina to remain in power indefinitely, but now it is time for India to change its attitude.
International Participation in the Conference
The event was jointly organized by the Department of Political Science at Dhaka University and the research organization Research and Integrated Thought (RIT).
Thirteen other national and international institutions also joined as co-organizers. These include:
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Jagannath University
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University of Regina (Canada)
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Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)
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Kent State University (USA)
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Bangladesh 2.0 Initiative (UK)
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Sochchar (USA)
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Insaaf
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CPAA (Dhaka)
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CPSR (Turkey)
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Jagoron Foundation (UK)
Source: Daily Amar Desh
