Sheikh Hasina Warns Bangladesh Becoming A 'Terrorist Haven'; Khaleda Zia Vows To Reclaim Democracy

Last Updated:May 30, 2025, 07:03 IST

Sheikh Hasina warned that the country is turning into “a haven for terrorists.”

Sheikh Hasina (PTI)

Bangladesh’s two most prominent political leaders took sharply opposing stands on the country’s current state of governance during separate addresses. Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a virtual address, voiced strong condemnation of what she described as a troubling trend of increasing extremism and judicial leniency toward convicted war criminals. Referring to the recent release of Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam, a war criminal sentenced to death for atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War, Sheikh Hasina warned that the country is turning into “a haven for terrorists."

She remarked, “War criminals are being freed, and those who fought for our independence are now being persecuted. Is this the Bangladesh we fought for?"

While the Prime Minister’s remarks underscored fears of rising militancy and historical revisionism, the opposition painted a different picture.

At a commemorative event held in Dhaka’s Ramna to mark the death anniversary of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia delivered a message focused on the decline of democracy in Bangladesh.

“The democracy and sovereignty for which Ziaur Rahman sacrificed his life are now facing constant obstacles at every step," she said, addressing party members and supporters.

She called on the public to rally in support of democratic restoration. “On the martyrdom anniversary of Ziaur Rahman, let us pledge to restore democracy," Khaleda urged. She further expressed confidence that “the people of Bangladesh will soon witness the restoration of democracy."

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Bangladesh

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