The ancestral home of former Bangladesh cricket captain and former Awami League Member of Parliament, Shakib Al Hasan, was targeted in a violent petrol bomb attack late Wednesday night. The attack took place in the Keshavmor area of Magura city, causing significant damage to the property, while this incident occurred just hours after Shakib Al Hasan participated in a virtual press conference organized by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently residing in India. Reports indicate that the attackers didn't only throw petrol bombs but also engaged in extensive vandalism at the ancestral residence.
Political Fallout and Awami League's Reaction
The timing of the attack has drawn a direct link to the political activities of the Awami League. The virtual press conference was hosted at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in New Delhi, and Shakib Al Hasan's involvement appears to have been the catalyst for the violence, while the Awami League issued a stern statement regarding the incident, condemning the act as a sign of growing intolerance. In their official communication, the party stated that setting houses on fire is the price being paid for participating in their press conference, while they further alleged that Bangladesh is currently under the shadow of neo-fascism and claimed that the present government has transformed into a dictatorship.
Threats Prior to the Press Conference
The atmosphere leading up to the press conference was already charged with tension. Before the event took place, several political entities, including the BNP, Islami Jamaat, and NCP, had openly issued threats to national media outlets. They warned that if any news regarding the press conference was published or broadcast, they would take the matter to court and initiate legal proceedings. The Awami League described these calculated actions as further evidence of a genocide campaign being carried out against their workers under the guise of building democracy, which they labeled as a hallmark of fascism.
Sheikh Hasina's Vow to Return
The incident coincided with the completion of 2 years since the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government. During the virtual address, the 78 year old former Prime Minister expressed her firm resolve to return to Bangladesh in December. She emphasized that her return isn't motivated by a desire for power but is aimed at restoring the country to the path of development, secularism, and prosperity. Sheikh Hasina acknowledged the grave risks associated with her return, stating that she's prepared to face imprisonment or even death to be among her people, while "I know they can put me in jail or kill me. I will go back home to be among my people. I've made my decision and I will go to Bangladesh," she declared.
Diplomatic Tension and Foreign Ministry's Outrage
The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry has expressed deep dissatisfaction over the virtual interaction allowed by India. In a social media post, the ministry stated that Bangladesh is outraged that Sheikh Hasina, whom they described as a fugitive and a genocide convict, was permitted to conduct a live media interaction from New Delhi, while the ministry alleged that she and her associates used the platform to spread toxic rhetoric against Bangladesh and its citizens. Dhaka expressed profound regret that despite informing the Indian government about the potential negative impact on bilateral relations, the public event was allowed to proceed.