New Delhi, September 27, 2025 — Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently in exile in India, extended heartfelt greetings to Bangladeshis on the occasion of Shardiya Navratri.
In her message, she condemned extremist violence, reaffirmed the Awami League’s determination to fight divisive forces, and urged citizens to protect Bangladesh’s tradition of communal harmony.
Festival greetings with a broader message
Hasina’s statement, delivered from New Delhi, went beyond the usual festival pleasantries. She emphasized the universality of Navratri and Durga Puja, describing them as cultural and social occasions that transcend religious boundaries.
“On this occasion of Shardiya festival, I send my heartfelt greetings and love to all my countrymen,” Hasina said. “Along with the rituals and prayers, the social and cultural aspects of this festival are important to all of us, making it universal, transcending religion and caste.”
She also recalled how Durga Puja traditions have expanded in Bangladesh over the decades. “Earlier, Durga Puja was mostly celebrated within families, but now community celebrations have become more prevalent,” she noted.
Condemnation of post-August 5 violence
In her message, Hasina drew attention to the widespread violence that followed her forced departure from Dhaka on August 5, 2024. She directly referred to attacks against Bangladesh’s Hindu community, which drew international condemnation.
“The multifaceted violence against Sanatan Dharma followers after August 5 last year has shocked the entire world,” she said. “Even in this terrible period of persecution of religious minorities, I extend my best wishes to all the followers of Sanatan Dharma in Bangladesh.”
Reports from rights groups documented thousands of incidents targeting minority communities after Hasina’s ouster, including arson, assaults, and destruction of temples and businesses. Awami League leaders have consistently blamed Islamist groups and their political allies for the attacks.
Context: exile in India
Hasina has been residing in India since August 2024. She left Bangladesh after violent student protests over the quota system in government jobs spiraled into nationwide unrest. According to the Awami League, Islamist groups hijacked the movement and unleashed a wave of anarchy, forcing her into exile.
Party officials describe her Navratri message as a continuation of her leadership role from abroad, underscoring the Awami League’s pledge to defend democracy and secularism.
Call to resist extremist forces
Hasina used the opportunity to issue a political message to her supporters. “Conspirators and extremist groups are creating division among the people and trying to destroy the country,” she warned. “The Awami League will fight this resolutely.”
The party says this reflects its larger campaign against what it describes as an “army- and Islamist-backed interim regime” now running Bangladesh. Awami League leaders accuse the interim authorities of failing to control communal violence, suppressing journalists and teachers, and reshuffling civil servants to politicize state institutions.
Symbolism of light over darkness
Despite her sharp criticisms, Hasina also struck a hopeful note. Drawing on the symbolism of Navratri, she invoked the triumph of good over evil as a metaphor for Bangladesh’s current struggle.
“These days of Shardiya Navratri will eradicate all evils and bring happiness,” she said. “Bangladesh will once again become a country that celebrates communal harmony and religious diversity. We will stand together in every joy and sorrow.”
She concluded her address with the Awami League’s historic slogan: “Jai Bangla, Jai Bangabandhu. May darkness turn into dawn, may Bangladesh live forever.”
International reactions
Hasina’s message has drawn attention in Indian media, where analysts see it as more than just a festival greeting. Commentators note that her remarks highlight both the fragility of Bangladesh’s internal stability and the broader regional stakes in preventing extremist groups from gaining influence.
Since her exile, Hasina has maintained close contact with Awami League leaders, diaspora groups, and international allies. Her Navratri statement was circulated widely on social media, with party supporters presenting it as proof of her continuing political relevance and leadership role.
Broader implications
Human rights groups have documented significant deterioration in Bangladesh’s rule of law since August 2024. Ain O Salish Kendra, a Dhaka-based watchdog, reported that at least 318 people were killed in just four days between August 5–8.
The Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist, Christian Unity Council recorded more than 2,000 cases of murder, rape, and other violence in the following weeks.
Sheikh Hasina’s call for unity and her condemnation of violence are reminders that the party’s political project remains tied to the protection of minorities and the restoration of constitutional order.
