Former B’desh PM Sheikh Hasina thanks PM Modi for support during crisis (IANS exclusive)
New Delhi, Dec 9 (LatestNewsX) – In a statement released on Tuesday, former Bangladeshi chief minister Sheikh Hasina thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his backing and highlighted the deep, historical ties between the two countries.
She added that she is grateful for the refuge India offered her during a dangerous period, calling the nation a crucial neighbour and partner.
Speaking only to LatestNewsX about how Modi’s role shaped Bangladesh’s situation, Hasina said, “India is a vital neighbour and partner. I value Prime Minister Modi’s support and the longstanding ties between our countries. At a personal and diplomatic level, I am grateful for the refuge I have been afforded in a time of danger. Strong bilateral relations with India are in Bangladesh’s interest, and they can help ensure lasting regional stability.”
Hasina fled to India in August of last year after her democratically elected government collapsed amid violent unrest that cost hundreds of lives and left thousands injured. A special tribunal in Dhaka has now sentenced her in absentia to death for “crimes against humanity” tied to the harsh suppression of student protests.
When asked how Modi helped her during the crisis, she replied, “I do not wish to talk about private conversations and relationships; however, I will say that I remain grateful to the people of India for their continued support.”
With Dhaka pressing for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, her son Sajeeb Wazed echoed that he is “eternally grateful” to Modi for safeguarding his mother’s life. Speaking to LatestNewsX on November 20, he reiterated his thanks: “I am eternally grateful to PM Modi. He has ensured my mother’s safety and saved my mother’s life. He is also keeping her under tight security. I am grateful to the Government of India and the people of India,” he said.
Earlier this week, Awami League Joint General Secretary Bahauddin Nasim recalled that India has long been a genuine friend of Bangladesh. He noted that India was the first to recognize Bangladesh’s independence on 6 December 1971, a gesture made when Pakistan’s invading forces were committing genocide, rape, arson, looting, and other atrocities, and when millions were fleeing as refugees.
“India’s recognition was a powerful example of standing beside the oppressed. The sacrifices and compassion shown by India’s political leadership, armed forces, and ordinary people will always be remembered with deep gratitude by the Bengali nation,” Nasim said.
In November, former Bangladeshi minister and Awami League leader Mohammad Ali Arafat criticized the Muhammad Yunus‑led interim government, arguing that an Islamist‑backed administration could never appreciate the party’s relationship with India. On X, Arafat wrote: “Our relations with India are not based only on 1971 but also on our mutual interests on many fronts, including jointly combating domestic and transnational terrorist groups. Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, the government not only signed the Land Boundary Agreement with India but also resolved the maritime boundary issue through a very respectful and constructive engagement.”
“Many neighbouring countries have fought long wars over such matters, whereas Bangladesh and India resolved them peacefully. Our cooperation in the communications and energy sectors has also brought significant benefits to people on both sides,” he added.
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