Bangladesh, which is currently facing continuous pressure from the Biden administration for violation of human rights, rampant corruption, and election rigging has finally stepped into anti-Israel and and-Jew sentiment of its Muslim allies, including Iran and Qatari.
In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas pogrom on Israel, today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh expressed strong criticism of the BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) for their silence on the “heinous Israel attacks on the innocent Palestinians”. She stated, in an official statement published on the official website Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, that such “repeated strikes on Palestine can’t be tolerated anymore”, and questioned the BNP’s courage to speak out for the “repressed people”.
It is also anticipated that after Friday prayers today, there will be a series of anti-Israel and anti-US demonstrations throughout Bangladesh under the patronage of Sheikh Hasina’s ruling Awami League.
In addition to her criticism of the BNP, Sheikh Hasina announced that Bangladesh will observe a day of state mourning to commemorate the deaths of Palestinians due to Israeli attacks. She also called for special prayers in mosques across the country and stated that Bangladesh will send “medicines, dry foods, and other necessary items” to assist the people of war-torn Palestine. She emphasized that Bangladesh has “always been with” the Palestinians and urged the Muslim Ummah to work together to “realize the rights of Palestinians”.
Yesterday, a Washington DC based news monitor, MEMRI TV, published a report that may result in further Western and US actions on Bangladesh.
Dr. Hasan Mahmud is the nephew of Allama Shah Shafi, founder of Hefazat-e-Islam, an organization of Islamic madrassa teachers and students that denounces democracy and advocates the establishment of a Caliphate in Bangladesh. Back in May 2013, Hefazat organized a rally in Dhaka city and pressed forward 13-point demands that includes declaring Ahmadis as non-Muslims, introducing the death penalty for committees of blasphemy, etc.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has now taken a stand in favor of Palestinian Hamas. Information Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, nephew of pro-caliphate Islamist leader Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi, also, articulated the government’s position, emphasizing that Bangladesh does not support the killing of civilians, whether in Palestine or Israel. However, the government’s call for an immediate ceasefire suggests an underlying tension, as it tries to balance diplomatic obligations with strong domestic sentiments.
Hasan Mahmud followed by Sheikh Hasina’s actions have added a layer of complexity to Bangladesh’s diplomatic landscape. Their support for Palestinian Hamas and the Islamist bloc raises questions about the government’s foreign policy and stand against extremism. This has led to what we described as a “diplomatic blunder”, putting Bangladesh in a difficult position amid US scrutiny and rising terrorism.
It was reported earlier that Hasan Mahmud has mocked the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for “taking the side of Israel by keeping mum on the Palestine issue”. Further, it adds, “BNP leaders including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have remained silent on Palestine issue when the innocent Palestinians and children are being killed [by Israel] like birds. You should know them,” said minister Hasan Mahmud.
It’s worth noting that Dr. Hasan Mahmud has consistently been a staunch critic of Israel. Despite this, he has not issued any condemnation of the Hamas attacks on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of Israeli, American, European, and Asian citizens.
A Washington, DC based organisation MEMRI TV wrote that Various segments of Bangladeshi society, including religious organizations, political parties, and students, have been vocal in their opposition to Israel. These protests reflect a disconnect between the government’s diplomatic stance and the strong anti-Israel sentiments among the populace. This divergence poses a challenge for Bangladesh as it navigates its foreign policy.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s unequivocal support for Palestinian Hamas and her opposition to Israel, the United States, and Western nations could have far-reaching consequences for Bangladesh. Such a stance could potentially isolate the country diplomatically and may even lead to economic repercussions, given the significant influence of the U.S. and Western nations in international affairs. This position could also draw scrutiny from global organizations and could affect Bangladesh’s standing on the global stage.
Bangladeshi media has also played a significant role in shaping public opinion. Journalists like Tasneem Tayeb and Syed Badrul Ahsan have criticized both Israel’s actions and the lack of statesmanship in resolving the conflict.
Before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s explicit endorsement of Palestinian Hamas, MEMRI had noted that the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry had issued a more measured statement. The ministry had expressed support for a “two-state solution” and had stated that “living under the Israeli occupation and forced settlements in Palestinian territory will not bring peace to the region”.
However, the Prime Minister’s subsequent stance could significantly alter this diplomatic posture. Her unequivocal support for Hamas, and Palestine and criticism of Israel, the United States, and Western nations could shift Bangladesh’s foreign policy in a direction that may have complex and far-reaching implications, both regionally and globally.
MEMRI quotes Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud’s statement on Israel stating, “Living under the Israeli occupation and forced settlements in Palestinian territory will not bring peace to the region”. Also, the minister accused Israel of a “hostage” situation of Palestinians “in the name of war by cutting off everything in the Gaza Strip, including food and water“. Minister Mahmud articulated in his statements that the main reason for the present situation in Gaza is Israel, and it is “never acceptable” to Bangladesh. This now aligns with the government’s stance against Israel, according to the recent statement given by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladeshi Minister’s response “Palestinians are fighting for their rights” is the same language as that of Iran and Palestinian Hamas terrorists. MEMRI also mentioned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stand in the United Nations in favor of Palestine.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), an Islamist student group in Bangladesh under the leadership of Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim also known as Charmonai Pir, orchestrated a protest at Baitul Mukarram in Dhaka to voice opposition to Israel’s military actions against the Palestinian Hamas. During the protest, Rezaul Karim urged the UN and human rights organizations to “protect persecuted Muslims” in Palestine.
Rezaul Karim went on to stress the importance of public demonstrations in opposing “atrocities and killings of Muslims around the world”. He accused the United States and European countries of acting against “humanity” for “ages” by aligning with those[Israelis] who attack Muslim communities.
MEMRI noted the leading groups that have been vocal in their anti-Israel protests encompass the Communist Party of Bangladesh, Jatiya Samajtanrik Dal-Jasod, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Juba Maitri. Shohid Uz Zaman Emon, a student at Noakhali Science and Technology University in Bangladesh, expressed his support for Palestinian Hamas through a Twitter post. He wrote, “we send our voices to Palestine: We stand with you, we fight for you, we will never forget you.” He further mentioned that a protest was organized at Noakhali Science and Technology University to vocalize opposition against “Israeli oppression”.
From the heart of Bangladesh, we send our voices to Palestine: We stand with you, we fight for you, we will never forget you.
We protest at Noakhali Science and Technology University to raise our voices against the Israeli oppression. #FreePalestine #StandWithPalestine pic.twitter.com/eRk2ASuGPC— ShohidUz Zaman Emon (@Imsuz_on) October 11, 2023
The Eastern Herald recently reported that Islamists were planning to organize anti-West and pro-Hamas protests across Bangladesh under the influence of a Palestinian Hamas envoy Yousef SY Ramadan in Dhaka on Friday. Despite the potential for such demonstrations to create a diplomatic quandary for the country, the Bangladeshi government has not shown immediate concern. The reason behind this oversight is today’s statement given by the Prime Minister.
MEMRI also mentioned an article in the Financial Express articulating Palestinian Hamas’ point of view stating, “At least the loss of lives and property in Israel as a result of the attack would make the Jewish people and their leaders feel how the Palestinians suffer in their ancestral homes”.
Earlier we published a report about global reactions to Hamas’ Al-Aqsa Flood operation. The article underscores the divergent positions of countries like Qatar, Turkey, and Iran, shaped by their geopolitical interests, public opinion, and historical connections. Today’s Prime Minister’s statement adds to this intricate global landscape is Bangladesh’s alignment with Iran, Qatar, and the remaining pro-Hamas bloc, a move that gains added complexity when considered against the backdrop of US foreign policy. It’s worth noting that the United States imposed special visa restrictions on Bangladesh in May 2023. The recent report by MEMRI TV and now the official statement of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina clarifies the intentions of the Bangladeshi government, potentially inviting further actions from the United States and other Western countries.
