Bangladesh Students' League slams Yunus govt over inclination towards Pak

Bangladesh Students' League President Saddam Hussain has strongly criticised the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, warning against its "increasing closeness" with Pakistan.
In an exclusive interview, he termed the diplomatic shift "dangerous," claiming it dishonors the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War and threatens regional stability.
Hussain, who represents a substantial base of politically active youth affiliated with the Awami League, claimed that Yunus' interim rule not only tolerates but actively promotes relations with Pakistan's intelligence agencies and extremist organisations.
"They're legitimising actors who once committed genocide on our soil," he said, referring to Pakistan's role in the 1971 killings.
He cautioned that Islamic hardliners and terror groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, Hizb ut-Tahrir, Ansarullah Bangla Team, and Lashkar-e-Taiba, all of whom have ties to Pakistan, are now receiving state-level support and meeting with high-ranking officials, including the interim Chief himself.
Hussain accused the interim government of attempting to "erase the history" of Bangladesh's freedom. "They demolished Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence at Dhanmondi 32. Liberation War sculptures and institutions have been targeted or vandalised. "This isn't just revisionism; it's deliberate erasure," he stated.
He further claimed that known extremists convicted in past assaults are being released and given official protection. "These gangs had a noticeable role in the political upheaval that deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in July and August. "Now, they're being rewarded for their role in destabilising the country," he claimed, warning that Bangladesh risks becoming a breeding ground for international terrorism with active linkages to Pakistan's ISI.
Saddam Hussain gave a bleak image of Bangladesh's current condition, citing an alarming increase in violence against minorities after the change in government. "Minorities, particularly Hindus, live in dread. Since August 5, over 2,200 events targeting minority populations have been reported, including deaths, lootings, forced evictions, and attacks on temples and property," he said.
He accused the interim government of systematically excluding minority groups from public life. "Minority candidates who pass all examinations for government positions are turned down merely because of their religion.
"Their names are blacklisted," he stated. He went on to say that religious freedom has practically been eliminated. "They instruct you on what to wear, what to celebrate, and how to live your faith. "It is no longer a democracy; it is a fascist, religious state."
Hussain sharply criticised Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, saying, "He speaks of peace and democracy abroad, but under his watch, Bangladeshis are silenced, persecuted, and driven underground." Dissent is criminalised, and students who support the Awami League are barred from attending lessons."
Hussain concluded with a powerful appeal to the global community. "Democracy must be restored. This illegitimate interim government must go. The international community has a responsibility to stand with the people of Bangladesh. Without justice, there can be no peace, not here, not in South Asia."
He asserted that the Awami League, despite repeated crackdowns, remains the only political force capable of restoring inclusive governance and secular values in Bangladesh. 'Awami League has always bounced back, whether under Yahya, Ayub, or Yunus. The people are with us, and we will reclaim our country through their verdict.'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Indian Express

21 minutes ago

• Indian Express

‘Israel almost a Russian-speaking country': Putin on Iran-Israel conflict amid US strikes on Tehran

Amid Israel-Iran conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted Israel's large Russian speaking population as one of the key factors in Moscow's approach as the United States struck Iran's three nuclear sites on Saturday night and joined Israel's offensive against Iran. Putin, while speaking at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), called out those who questioned Russia's commitment to its allies and termed them as 'provocateurs'. Putin further stressed that Russia's relations with the Arab and the Islamic world have traditionally been friendly. Putin was asked why he is not assisting Iran. His response: 'Israel today is almost a Russian-speaking country, two million people from the Soviet Union and Russia live there. We take that into account.' 👇 — Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) June 21, 2025 Assessing the situation in the Middle East, Putin said 'I would like to draw your attention to the fact that almost two million people from the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation reside in Israel. It is almost a Russian-speaking country today. And, undoubtedly, we always take this into account in Russia's contemporary history,' as reported by TASS news agency. While noting that every conflict is unique, Putin said that Russia has a nuanced relationship with its allies across the Middle East region. Putin stated that Russia's 15% population is Islamic and that Moscow is also an observer in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Putin had earlier offered to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran to resolve the impending conflict but US President Donald Trump had snubbed him by saying that 'I said, 'Do me a favour, mediate your own. Let's mediate Russia first.' I said, 'Vladimir, let's mediate Russia first. You can worry about this later.' Iran has warned to retaliate against the US strikes and has reportedly said that it would target US air bases in the region.

India Gazette

25 minutes ago

• India Gazette

Prashant Kishor targets Nitish, Lalu, Congress; promises jobs, education in 'Bihar Badlav' rally

Vaishali (Bihar) [India], June 22 (ANI): Jan Suraaj Party chief Prashant Kishor on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, and the Congress, accusing them of failing to bring meaningful change to the state over decades. Addressing a 'Bihar Badlav Rally' in Vaishali, Kishor said, 'For 40-45 years you voted for Congress, then you voted for Lalu Yadav for 15 years. For the last 20 years, Nitish Kumar has been the CM... But the life of the people of Vaishali has not been you vote as I will tell you, then proper arrangements for your children's education and employment will be made here in Vaishali itself...' Criticising what he described as opportunistic voting patterns, Kishor asked the crowd, 'In Vaishali and the whole of Bihar, many people voted for Modi ji and the BJP out of greed for 5kg of grains. They are stealing 1kg of rice, and people are receiving only 4kg, right or wrong?' He also condemned communal narratives in politics, saying, 'People voted in the name of said first Ram Temple should be built in Ayodhya, but you did not get Indira Awas, school-colleges, no factories were installed in Hajipur, Vaishali, but Ram Temple was built with the help of your votes.' Earlier, at a rally in Samastipur, Kishor promised a livelihood opportunity for all within a year of forming the government. 'This is going to be the last Diwali and Chhath of misery in Bihar. After Chhath, when the people's rule is established, the streets and drains may or may not be built, schools and hospitals may not improve, and all the members of your family who have gone out to work, as well as the children who are currently unemployed, may or may not get government jobs. However, within a year, the arrangements for a livelihood of Rs 10,000-12,000 will definitely be made for everyone in Bihar,' he said. Jan Suraaj Party is set to contest in the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections, which are expected later this year. However, no official dates have been announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI). (ANI)

NDTV

27 minutes ago

• NDTV

Major Breakthrough In Pahalgam Case, 2 Arrested For Sheltering Pak Terrorists

The three terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which left 26 innocent people dead, are Pakistani nationals and are affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has found. Announcing a big breakthrough in its probe into the heinous attack, the anti-terror agency has said it has arrested two men for harbouring the terrorists who carried out the attack at Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley, also known as 'Mini Switzerland'. "The two men - Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, Pahalgam and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam - have disclosed the identities of the three armed terrorists involved in the attack, and have also confirmed that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated to the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)," the NIA said in a statement. "Parvaiz and Bashir had knowingly harboured the three armed terrorists at a seasonal dhok (hut) at Hill Park before the attack, as per NIA investigations. The two men had provided food, shelter and logistical support to the terrorists, who had, on the fateful afternoon, selectively killed the tourists on the basis of their religious identity, making it one of the most gruesome terrorist attacks ever," it added. The two accused have been arrested under Section 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which relates to punishment for harboring a terrorist. The NIA has said further investigation into the case is on. In an attack that shocked the nation, armed terrorists shot dead 25 tourists and a Kashmiri pony ride operator in cold blood at Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley. According to eyewitnesses and the victims' family members, the killers asked their religion before shooting them at close range. The Pahalgam attack, which crossed several red lines, sparked nationwide outrage. A fortnight later, India launched Operation Sindoor to avenge the killings and targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. New Delhi clarified that it had targeted only terror bases. Pakistan, however, responded by firing a barrage of missiles and drones along India's western border. India's robust air defence neutralised most of these projectiles, although heavy shelling on the border and Line of Control led to loss of lives. India then struck key military installations in Pakistan, including multiple air bases, forcing Islamabad to seek a ceasefire. New Delhi has warned that any future attack will invite a crushing response.