Shamsuzzaman: Friendly nations never shelter killers

BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said that if India truly considered Bangladesh a friendly nation, they would not have sheltered the killers of the Bangladeshi people.

He make these remarks on Tuesday at a citizens' assembly organized by the Save the Country, Save the People Movement' in front of the National Press Club, marking Felani Killing Day.

Shamsuzzaman Dudu said: "Bangladesh considers India a friendly nation. We have never taken any action against them that a friendly country might. But India has not reciprocated the same sentiment toward Bangladesh. If we review the past 53 years, it becomes evident that many of India's actions were not those of a friendly state. Yet, they claim to be our ally."

Addressing the interim government, he said: "India is trying to ensure that fair elections do not take place in Bangladesh and that a political government does not come to power. Do not fall into that trap. Sheikh Hasina fell into that trap and lost the elections."

Supporting the possibility of elections this year or early next year, the BNP vice-chairman said: "To overcome the ongoing crises—rising market prices, deteriorating law and order, stagnation in trade and commerce, and the unrest among the people—we need to move towards elections. If we can hold elections within this period, we hope to overcome these challenges. Therefore, the government should arrange for elections without delay."

Shamsuzzaman Dudu added: "India claims they fought for seven to ten days to liberate us and lost 10,000-15,000 soldiers. I respect their sacrifices, but that does not mean they gave us our independence. This country achieved independence through the sacrifices of 3 million martyrs. India's claims do not reflect the attitude of a friendly nation. Felani was just a teenager, yet they shot her dead and left her body hanging on the barbed wire for five days. Just as Sheikh Hasina made a mockery of governance to stay in power, India has similarly mocked justice in the Felani murder case."