India's Seven Sisters will be isolated if Bangladesh is destabilised: Hasnat Abdullah
Destabilising Bangladesh would have wider regional consequences, he says
National Citizen Party (NCP) Southern Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah today (15 December) warned that India's northeastern "Seven Sisters" states would be isolated if Bangladesh is destabilised.
The seven north-eastern states of India are collectively referred to as the Seven Sisters: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
Speaking at an all-party protest rally organised by Inqilab Mancha at the Central Shaheed Minar, Hasnat alleged that those creating chaos in the country, attempting to sabotage the election process, and involved in the attack on Osman Hadi are being backed by India.
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He also accused Indian authorities of involvement in border killings of Bangladeshi nationals.
"I want to say clearly to India that if you shelter forces who do not respect Bangladesh's sovereignty, potential, voting rights and human rights, Bangladesh will respond," he said, adding that destabilising Bangladesh would have wider regional consequences.
"If Bangladesh is destabilised, the fire of resistance will spread beyond borders," he warned.
Criticising India's role, Hasnat said, "Even after 54 years of independence, Bangladesh is still facing attempts by 'vultures' to exert control over the country."
He alleged that India was seeking to weaken Bangladesh and turn it into a conflict-ridden state.
He further claimed that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her allies were mobilising people against Bangladesh with money, weapons and training.
"Those who look to Delhi for power and positions are preparing to sell the country's independence for the third time," he said.
Hasnat also sharply criticised the Election Commission, calling it "spineless."
Referring to Osman Hadi, he said it was inhumane for the chief election commissioner to describe the life-threatening attack on an election aspirant as an isolated incident.
Questioning the process of appointing election commissioners, he said there was no shortage of qualified candidates, but "Hadi, who has departed for eternity, can never be replaced."
