April 3, 2025 9:06 pm
Full News

Sheikh Hasina Should Be Allowed to Stay in India Indefinitely, Says Mani Shankar Aiyar

In a statement that has stirred considerable discussion both in India and Bangladesh, Mani Shankar Aiyar, a former Indian diplomat and a senior leader within the Congress party, has strongly advocated for the long-term stay of Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, in India. This declaration came during a public address at the 16th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, where Aiyar was speaking on broader themes of South Asian diplomacy and regional stability.
Sheikh Hasina, who led Bangladesh for 16 years, has been living in India since August 5, following a massive conspiracy which led to her departure from power. The protests, which emphasized demands for political reform and transparency, culminated in a dramatic shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Since then, Sheikh Hasina, now 77, has been residing in India, a move that has been both lauded and critiqued by various political factions in both countries.
Aiyar, renowned for his diplomatic tenure and his forthright views, praised the recent diplomatic endeavors of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who made a significant visit to Dhaka last month. This visit was aimed at continuing dialogue with the new interim government of Bangladesh, an administration still in flux following Sheikh Hasina’s exit. Aiyar suggested the necessity for not just sporadic interactions but a sustained and continuous dialogue at the ministerial level to ensure stable relations between the two neighbors.
The Congress leader’s comments on Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India were particularly poignant. “I hope we will never disagree that Sheikh Hasina has done a lot of good for us. I am glad she was given refuge,” Aiyar stated, highlighting the positive contributions Hasina has made towards India-Bangladesh relations during her tenure. He went further to advocate for her extended stay, saying, “I think we should be her host as long as she wants, even if it is for all her life.” This assertion underscores a long-term commitment to harboring a political figure who has not only faced an abrupt change in her political career but also remains a significant figure in South Asian politics.
Addressing the contentious issue of reported attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh, Aiyar provided a nuanced perspective. He acknowledged the truth in these reports but cautioned against an overly simplistic interpretation, stating that many of these incidents are exaggerated and stem more from political differences than from religious persecution. This insight aims to temper the narrative often fueled by media, providing a more layered understanding of the socio-political dynamics at play.
Aiyar’s commentary did not stop at Bangladesh; he also reflected on the broader context of South Asian geopolitics by drawing comparisons between India and Pakistan. He noted the cultural and historical affinities between the two nations, suggesting that the partition of 1947 was more an accident of history than a reflection of inherent differences. This narrative aligns with his long-held views on fostering peace and dialogue in the region, particularly with Pakistan, where he has often pushed for back-channel communications.
The statement from Aiyar has reignited discussions on India’s role as a regional power and its responsibilities towards political exiles, especially those from neighboring countries with whom India shares deep cultural and historical ties. His advocacy for Sheikh Hasina’s extended stay in India raises questions about international asylum policies, national sovereignty, and the complex interplay of politics in South Asia.
Critics, particularly from opposition parties in Bangladesh and some factions within India, argue that this could complicate India’s foreign policy or be seen as interference in another country’s internal affairs. Supporters, however, see it as an act of humanitarianism and a strategic move to maintain influence in Bangladesh’s political scenario, which could eventually stabilize the region.
As debates continue, the future of Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India remains a point of contention and discussion. Aiyar’s comments have not only brought attention to the plight of political figures in exile but have also sparked a broader conversation on how nations navigate the delicate balance between international law, diplomatic relations, and moral responsibilities.

Related News
Iran Expands Military Drills to Include Fordow and Khondab Nuclear Sites
Gaza ceasefire talks resume in Qatar, violence continues
‘Emilia Pérez’ Sweeps Lumiere Awards with Five Wins, Including Best Film
Trump Proposes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health Secretary
Scuffle in Israel’s Parliament
Hollywood Hills Engulfed as Los Angeles Faces Massive Wildfire Crisis
Related Posts
Elon Musk to Step Down from Government Role
Elon Musk’s Cost-Cutting Team Sends Error-Ridden Termination Notices to USAID Staff
Finland’s President Urges France or Britain to Engage with Russia on Ukraine
Controversial Waqf Bill Passed in India’s Lok Sabha
Israeli Forces Used Palestinians as ‘Human Shields’
World Leaders React to Trump’s Tariff Imposition
More News

Starmer Seeks Regulatory Ideas to Spur UK Growth

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, along with the chancellor and business secretary, has reached out to the UK’s primary regulatory bodies, urging them to propose reforms aimed at boosting economic growth. In letters sent to key regulators such as Ofgem (energy) and Ofwat (water) before Christmas, the government requested actionable ideas by mid-January. This initiative […]

Mbappe’s ‘First’ Hat -Trick Flew To Vyadolid

Valladolid 0 : 3 Real MadridHe scored a brace in Real Madrid’s previous league match against Las Palmas. Earlier goals came against Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey, and later against Salzburg in the Champions League. But Kylian Mbappe was not satisfied with one or two goals. This is a hat trick! The French […]

If genocide is used loosely, will it lose its strength?

Dr. A K Abdul Momen Nowadays the word “genocide” is being used very loosely and at times, in a way that reflects total ignorance of the term “genocide”. As per the UN Resolution 96 on December 11, 1946 , and subsequently the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide […]

UN Report: Revenge Violence in Bangladesh Targets Police, Awami League Members

Violent mobs in Bangladesh have carried out severe revenge attacks since early August last year, primarily targeting police officers and members of the ruling Awami League (AL), according to a newly released United Nations report. The report, issued today (12th February) by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), also highlights human rights abuses against religious […]

What Kind Of Surprises Is Trump Giving, Including Cancellation Of Birthright Citizenship, Tax Increase

Donald Trump was sworn in as the country’s president for a second term on Monday local time. He gave several surprises on the first day of assuming office as announced. There may be more surprises ahead. Various media reports have already indicated that Trump may announce 200 executive orders within hours of being sworn in […]

Debate Over Cultural Integrity in Japan Amid Rising Concerns About Islamic Influence

TOKYO, JAPAN — Amid growing debates about cultural preservation and integration, Japan faces discussions over how to address the increasing influence of foreign ideologies, including Islam, within its society. Critics warn of potential societal challenges, citing examples from European nations like Sweden, where immigration and integration policies have faced scrutiny. A recent report by Shia […]

Peaky Blinders Movie Officially Titled The Immortal Man

The official title of the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie has been confirmed. Titled The Immortal Man, the film will continue the story a few years after the season six finale, following the Shelby family during World War II. The title was confirmed by Nadia Stacey, a hair and makeup artist on the project, who shared […]

Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration Officials to Testify on Secretive Department of Government Efficiency

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge John Bates in Washington ruled that Trump administration officials must face questioning under oath about the workings of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The lawsuit, filed by government employee unions, seeks to block the secretive cost-cutting department from accessing federal agency systems. Judge Bates ruled that the unions […]

Congressman Shri Thanedar Calls for Sanctions Against Bangladesh Over Minority Rights Violations

Shri Thanedar Calls for Sanctions Against Bangladesh Over Minority Rights Violations Congressman Shri Thanedar has made a strong appeal for justice, advocating for the protection of Hindus in Bangladesh amidst ongoing reports of atrocities and unjust arrests. Taking a decisive stance, Thanedar has urged the U.S. Treasury and State Department to impose sanctions on Bangladesh […]

3 Israelis, 183 Palestinians Freed in Fourth Round

In the West Bank city of Ramallah, there was a sparkle of happiness in the eyes of the crowd gathered on Saturday. A total of 183 Palestinians have been freed from Gaza after a fourth prisoner exchange under a ceasefire agreement with Israel. Earlier, the Palestinian militant group Hamas released three hostages. According to Hamas […]