'India Now Supposedly An Enemy': Taslima Nasreen Slams Bangladesh's Shift Towards Pakistan

Last Updated:December 06, 2024, 20:15 IST

Nasreen expressed her disappointment over the growing ties between Bangladesh & Pakistan, highlighting the stark contrast between the historical relationship Bangladesh had with India

Award-winning exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen. (Image via X/@taslimanasreen)

Award-winning exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Friday strongly criticised the shifting dynamics between Bangladesh and its neighbours, India and Pakistan.

In a post on X, Nasreen expressed her disappointment over the growing ties between Bangladesh and Pakistan, highlighting the stark contrast between the historical relationship Bangladesh had with India.

She further noted the support that India provided to Bangladesh during its 1971 war for independence.

“The India where 17,000 soldiers lost their lives saving Bangladesh from its enemy Pakistan is now supposedly an enemy. The India that gave shelter, food, and clothing to 10 million refugees is now supposedly an enemy. The India that provided weapons and trained freedom fighters to protect the country from Pakistani forces is now supposedly an enemy," Nasreen wrote in her post.

Additionally, she went on to contrast this with the evolving relations with Pakistan, stating: “And the Pakistan that killed 3 million people and raped 200,000 women is now supposedly a friend. The Pakistan that ranks number one in producing terrorists is now supposedly a friend. The Pakistan that has yet to apologize to Bangladesh for the atrocities of 1971 is now supposedly a friendly nation!"

Nasreen’s comments come amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh. Relations between the two neighbours have been strained recently, particularly after reports that the Hindu community in Muslim-majority Bangladesh has faced over 200 attacks since August 5.

These attacks comes after the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government and the assumption of power by Muhammad Yunus.

The comments also come as Bangladesh seems to be moving away from India, while fostering closer ties with Pakistan. There have been reports of Bangladesh moving closer to Islamabad through visa waivers, defence deals, and restoring sea routes, Firstpost reported.

The publication reported that the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently instructed all missions abroad to facilitate visas for Pakistani citizens and those of Pakistani origin.

This is a significant change from the 2019 policy under Sheikh Hasina, which required Pakistani citizens to obtain a ‘no objection’ clearance from Bangladesh’s Security Services Division before applying for a visa. With the new policy, this requirement has now been lifted.

News world 'India Now Supposedly An Enemy': Taslima Nasreen Slams Bangladesh's Shift Towards Pakistan