BNP rejects claims about US military base and calls allegations by deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ‘bullshit’

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has strongly refuted reports of US plans to set up a military base in the country, calling the claims “bullshit.”

Ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently seeking refuge in India, has accused foreign powers including the US of having a hand in her ouster. In a message to her supporters in the Awami League, Hasina warned the new interim government not to allow itself to be “used” by such foreign powers. Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Alamgir refuted allegations that the US was trying to set up an air base and said there were no such talks.

“It is very unfortunate that a person who has been the prime minister of an independent country for the last 15 years can make such irresponsible statements. Unfortunately, I believe that whenever she is in trouble, she always blames others. The main reason for her leaving the country and being fired is mismanagement and failure to govern the country properly,” Alamgir told CNN.News18.

Asked about Hasina's comments about the alleged link between the US regime change plans and the BNP, Alamgir said it was “all nonsense”. “The comments are unreasonable and so irresponsible. I don't understand how she can say this because there was no foreign diplomacy involved in this movement; it was a spontaneous movement of the students and then the people joined in,” he added.

Bangladesh's parliament was dissolved earlier this week after army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced Hasina's resignation shortly after she fled the country. Thousands of members of the Hindu minority staged large protests in Bangladesh's capital and the northeastern port city of Chattogram on Saturday, demanding protection from nationwide vandalism that has also included attacks on temples as well as their homes and businesses.

Speaking to CNN-News18, the BNP general secretary reiterated the BNP's solidarity with the Hindu community following targeted attacks on minorities and stressed the party's friendly relations with India. Alamgir also stressed that the interim government's decision regarding Hasina's return would depend on India's stance. However, the BNP remains firm in its demand for her to be tried for alleged misdeeds.

On Thursday, Muhammad Yunus took charge of the interim government in line with the students' demand and in his first address to the nation, he said that restoring law and order in the country was his priority. The 17-member advisory council, which includes four members leaning towards the BNP and three from Jamaat-e-Islami, took oath of office on the same day.

When asked about possible cooperation between Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP for the upcoming election, Alamgir clarified that BNP has no links with Jamaat-e-Islami and calls them merely alliance partners. He expressed BNP's determination to ensure that all political parties, including Hasina's Awami League, participate in the upcoming elections.