The Foreign Office has strongly refuted speculations about Pakistan role in Bangladesh unrest, which led to the resignation and fleeing of the country’s long-time leader, Sheikh Hasina Wazed.
“Pakistan rejects all such statements. These baseless claims reflect India’s unsettling obsession with Pakistan. Indian political leaders and media often scapegoat Pakistan for their own failures in domestic and foreign policy,” FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated.
Her remarks were in response to questions about Indian media’s accusations against Pakistan regarding the situation in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh recently experienced one of the deadliest periods of turmoil in its history, with millions of students protesting initially against a controversial government job quota system and later demanding an apology and resignation from then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The escalating protests eventually forced Sheikh Hasina to step down and seek refuge in India. Subsequently, the Bangladeshi military established a new interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, as per the protesters’ demands.
The violent unrest claimed the lives of at least 300 people, marking the end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule.
“Pakistan expresses strong support for the people of Bangladesh and stands in solidarity with them as they strive for a harmonious future,” Baloch said during press briefing.
The FO spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan maintains positive relations with Bangladesh, which have strengthened over the years.
“Regarding the recent developments in Bangladesh, Pakistan has issued a statement affirming our support and solidarity with the people of Bangladesh. We sincerely hope for a peaceful and swift return to normalcy. We are confident that the resilient spirit and unity of the Bangladeshi people will lead them toward a harmonious future,” she added.
Baloch also mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended congratulations to the chief adviser of the new caretaker government in Bangladesh, wishing him success. The premier expressed a desire to work with Muhammad Yunus to deepen cooperation between the two countries in the coming days.
Earlier this week, Pakistan reiterated its solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, expressing hopes for peace and stability in their affairs.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The Government and people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, sincerely hoping for a peaceful and swift return to normalcy.” The FO expressed confidence that the “resilient spirit and unity of the Bangladeshi people” would guide them toward a “harmonious future.”
