Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has commented on the recent flight of Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh amid severe student-led protests. Nasreen, who is known for her outspoken criticism of communalism and was expelled from Bangladesh by Hasina in 1999, finds a striking irony in the current situation.
In an online post, Nasreen criticised Hasina for expelling her to “appease Islamists,” only for those same Islamists to be involved in the protests that forced Hasina to flee. “Hasina expelled me from my country after I returned to see my dying mother and has never allowed me to return. Now, the same Islamists who pushed me out are the ones who have driven Hasina out,” Nasreen wrote.
Sheikh Hasina departed Bangladesh for Bharat in a military aircraft on the previous day and is expected to seek asylum in London. Nasreen accused Hasina of nurturing Islamist extremism and corruption, arguing that her policies led to her current predicament.
“Hasina’s resignation and departure were inevitable consequences of her own actions. She nurtured Islamists and tolerated corruption. Bangladesh must avoid becoming like Pakistan, and the army must not take control. Democracy and secularism should be restored by political parties,” she stated.
Nasreen, who has been living in exile since leaving Bangladesh in 1994 following threats from fundamentalist groups over her book Lajja, also condemned the current state of unrest. Her 1993 book, which was banned in Bangladesh but widely read internationally, was a source of considerable controversy.
The violence in Bangladesh reached a peak on Sunday with nearly 100 protesters killed in clashes with police. In the aftermath, protesters breached the Prime Minister’s residence, prompting Hasina to resign and leave the country. The Army chief announced the formation of an interim government shortly after Hasina’s departure.
Later in the day, Hasina arrived at Hindon Air Force Base in India, close to Delhi. Reports indicate that she is preparing to fly to London, where she is expected to seek asylum.
