New Delhi [India], December 1: Historian Irfan Habib has condemned the ongoing violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, accusing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of “destroying the unity and integrity” of the country.
Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Habib stated, “What is happening in Bangladesh is condemnable. Violence and hatred based on religion, ideology, or extremism of any kind should never be justified. This applies to religious violence in any country, whether it occurs in our nation or in neighboring countries. I have consistently spoken out against violence against minorities in Pakistan as well.”
Habib emphasized that hatred and violence in the name of religion, wherever it occurs, should be outrightly condemned. He further pointed out that Bangladesh, which was founded on principles of culture, civilization, and language, has strayed from these values under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership.
“Bangladesh was created not on the basis of religion but on the issues of culture, civilization, and language. However, under Hasina’s rule, the country has failed to uphold these values, and religious violence has become rampant,” Habib said. He also noted that Bangladesh’s creation in 1971 was rooted in cultural and political differences with West Pakistan, despite the shared religion.
Habib criticized Hasina’s governance, holding her responsible for the current situation in Bangladesh. “The violence based on religion is deeply tragic, and I hold Sheikh Hasina accountable for it. The failure of her governance allowed such incidents to happen, leading to widespread unrest,” he added.
The situation in Bangladesh has escalated with increasing attacks on minority communities, including the destruction of temples following the arrest of former priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. These developments have sparked protests, and many have expressed dissatisfaction with Hasina’s leadership, contributing to the political instability in the country.
The growing unrest led to a student-led movement that ousted Hasina’s government after weeks of protests and clashes, which claimed over 600 lives. Sheikh Hasina, 76, fled to India on August 5, and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed.