The death sentence handed down to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by the reconstituted International Crimes Tribunal is more than a legal verdict; it is a political earthquake. And like all political earthquakes in the subcontinent, its rumblings carry the unmistakable resonance of history.

The comparison many analysts have drawn between Hasina’s trial in 2025 and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s trial in Pakistan in 1978 is not an exaggeration; it is a warning. A warning that when courts become theaters and justice becomes a prop for political vendettas, the nation drifts into dangerous waters.

The tribunal that delivered Hasina’s sentence was created to prosecute the atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War. Its purpose was to close old wounds, bring justice to victims, and honor the foundational values of Bangladesh. But the Yunus-led interim government’s decision to expand the tribunal’s jurisdiction in 2024, giving it the authority to try contemporary political actors, weaponized the institution.

Instead of healing historical traumas, it has now become an instrument to manufacture new ones. Hasina was tried in absentia, denied the opportunity to testify directly, barred from cross-examining witnesses, and subjected to a hastily conducted judicial process that resembled a political purge rather than a legitimate trial.

Supporters of the verdict might argue that Hasina must be held accountable for alleged abuses committed during her tenure. But accountability must arise from a process that upholds the basic tenets of justice. What transpired instead was a judicial spectacle: rushed proceedings, opaque evidence, and a tribunal whose neutrality had evaporated long before the verdict was announced.

In politics, optics matter, and the optics here are unmistakable: a regime intent on erasing its predecessors, using the legal system as a sword rather than a scale.

This is where the shadow of Bhutto looms large. Bhutto’s trial in 1978 under Pakistan’s General Zia-ul-Haq is now universally recognized as a travesty. Conducted under pressure, presided over by a judiciary molded by the military regime, and fueled by political animosity, Bhutto’s hanging remains one of the darkest chapters in South Asian judicial history.

Decades later, even Pakistan’s Supreme Court conceded that Bhutto had not been granted a fair trial. The parallels to Hasina are too strong to dismiss: a toppled leader, a new regime desperate to consolidate power, a judiciary re-engineered to comply, and a verdict that seems designed to eliminate political opposition rather than deliver justice.

Bangladesh, unlike Pakistan, was born out of a struggle for secular democracy. The Awami League under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman built its identity on linguistic nationalism and liberation from Pakistani militarism. But in recent years, the drift in Dhaka has been troubling.

The interim government’s accommodation of Islamist groups previously barred from politics, its shrinking tolerance for dissent, and its aggressive dismantling of the Awami League’s organizational structures all indicate an ideological shift, a shift that eerily resembles Pakistan under Zia. This is not merely about punishing Hasina; it is about rewriting the ideological DNA of the republic.

By sentencing Hasina to death, the interim regime has sent a message to its domestic rivals: political displacement will not stop at exile; it may end at the gallows. For a nation that prides itself on emerging from the ashes of genocide and dictatorship, this is an alarming regression.

Bangladesh’s political system has always been turbulent, but this verdict threatens to push it into a new phase: one where political competition is no longer mediated through elections or parliamentary processes but through courts and punitive tribunals acting under executive influence.

For India, the developments in Bangladesh carry profound strategic implications. New Delhi has long regarded Dhaka as a key ally in maintaining stability in the Northeast, combating cross-border terror networks, and managing migration flows. Sheikh Hasina’s government played an instrumental role in neutralizing extremist groups and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Her ouster, followed by a death sentence delivered under dubious legal circumstances, destabilizes the regional balance. Bangladesh drifting toward Islamist politics even moderately threatens to reopen security challenges that India spent years combating. The Northeast, already sensitive, cannot afford a Bangladesh where anti-India political currents regain strength.

Moreover, the verdict raises questions about the future of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions. If courts can be repurposed to eliminate political opponents, then elections cease to be meaningful. The interim regime may claim to be restoring democracy, but a democracy built on judicial intimidation is hollow.

Even critics of Hasina’s governance and she had many recognized that justice cannot be selective. Her trial sets a precedent that any future government could exploit, trapping Bangladesh in a cycle of judicial vengeance with no exit.

The human rights dimension cannot be ignored either. Trials in absentia belong to authoritarian playbooks, not democratic ones. Executing a former prime minister under such circumstances violates international norms and invites scrutiny from global bodies. It signals to the world that Bangladesh is turning inward, away from democratic accountability and toward ideological consolidation. Nations that rely on international legitimacy do not pass death sentences in politically charged trials without expecting consequences.

This is why the comparison to Bhutto is so powerful. Bhutto’s execution did not strengthen Pakistan. It delegitimized its judiciary, deepened political polarization, emboldened authoritarian forces, and created a martyr whose shadow haunted Pakistani politics for generations. Bangladesh now stands at a similar crossroads.

Hasina’s sentence risks creating a political vacuum filled not by democratic forces but by opportunistic alliances of Islamist groups, disillusioned power centers, and authoritarian actors seeking permanence.

The tragedy of South Asian politics is that its leaders seldom learn from history. Institutions are reshaped to serve immediate goals, only to later become instruments of oppression for those who once controlled them. The tribunal that now convicts Hasina with sweeping authority may one day be turned against the very people who empowered it. That is the nature of political tools; they rarely remain in one set of hands for long.

Bangladesh’s soul was forged in the fires of 1971. Its promise was democracy, secularism, and justice. By sentencing Sheikh Hasina to death in a trial that carries the unmistakable scent of political revenge, the country risks abandoning that promise. The world, and especially India, must watch with vigilance.

Not because Hasina must be defended uncritically, but because democracy must be defended vigorously. When justice becomes indistinguishable from politics, nations lose their moral compass. And when nations lose their moral compass, history often the darkest parts of it has a way of repeating itself.

Dr. Prosenjit Nath is a techie, political analyst, and author.

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The post Bangladesh’s Political Purge: Sheikh Hasina’s ‘Death Sentence’ Is A Warning To The Subcontinent appeared first on The Commune.

Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several of her family members will be barred from voting in next year’s election as their National Identity (NID) Cards are blocked, local media reported. Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Wednesday told the reporters that “anyone whose NID card has been locked cannot vote from abroad. Those who fled abroad due to cases or for other reasons face no obstacle in voting, but their NID must remain unlocked.”

“To vote from abroad, one must register online using their NID number. A passport will not work. So if someone’s NID is locked, how can they register? They cannot. Only those who register with their NIDs will get this opportunity,” Bangladesh’s leading newspaper, The Business Standard, quoted the EC official as saying.

When asked whether Hasina will be able to vote, he said, “She cannot vote because her NID is blocked.” In April, the National Identity Registration Wing under the EC “locked” the NID of Hasina and her nine family members following a verbal instruction from its Director General, ASM Humayn Kabir.

The family members include Sheikh Rehana Siddique, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Saima Wazed, Shahnaz Siddique, Bushra Siddique, Tulip Rizwana Siddique, Azmira Siddique, Radwan Mujib Siddique, and Tarique Ahmed Siddique. Earlier in July, the EC removed the election symbol of Hasina’s Awami League party from its website in an attempt to end the party’s decades-long political existence in the country, according to local media reports.

On May 12, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government issued a gazette notification banning all activities of the Awami League and its affiliate organisations. The ban was imposed under the “Anti-Terrorism Act” until the trial of the party and its leaders in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is completed.

Analysts reckon the latest developments as an extension of the political vendetta pursued by the interim government led by Yunus against former PM Hasina and her family members, with a larger plan of keeping the Awami League away from taking part in the national elections.

The unceremonious exit of Hasina last August was globally seen as a major setback to the democratic set-up in the country. The interim government has also received massive criticism for providing shelter to radical and extremist Islamic outfits.

-IANS

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The post Bangladesh: Yunus-Led Interim Government Bars Sheikh Hasina And Family from Voting, Awami League Symbol Removed appeared first on The Commune.

Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has warned the country’s media houses of legal action against any future publication or dissemination of statements from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, local media reported on Friday.

In a statement released on Friday, the Bangladesh government termed airing or promoting Hasina’s remarks on television channels, news platforms or online media a violation of law, considering her conviction for genocide and crimes against humanity, United News of Bangladesh reported.

The statement said, “We are deeply concerned that some media outlets ignored the law and court rulings by broadcasting a speech by the ousted dictator on Thursday. In that speech, she made false and inflammatory claims.”

“We strongly warn media personnel involved in this type of criminal propaganda. From now on, anyone who publishes or promotes Sheikh Hasina’s statements will face immediate legal action,” it added.

According to the statement, Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League has been banned in Bangladesh and under the Anti-Terrorism Act, any individual or organisation that promotes the activities or statements of its leaders can be prosecuted. In the statement, the Bangladesh interim government warned that any media outlet that shares or re-broadcasts Hasina’s remarks will be held accountable.

The statement said, “Broadcasting Sheikh Hasina’s provocative speeches, which aim to incite violence and create instability, risks damaging the democratic transition. Any outlet that spreads or re-broadcasts her remarks will be held legally accountable under Bangladeshi law.”

The latest decision of the interim government comes amid the ongoing crackdown on Awami League leaders, along with the officials associated with the party, under the Yunus-led interim government.

On August 19, a court in Dhaka announced a travel ban on Hasina’s former military secretary Major General (Retd.) Salahuddin Miaji and three of his family members over corruption allegations. Three of Miaji’s family members who have been placed under travel ban include his wife Nazma Begum and daughters Samiha Sabnam and Raisa Sabnam, Bangladesh’s leading newspaper Daily Star reported. Judge Zakir Hossain Galib of Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court announced the decision after ACC Deputy Director Rezaul Karim, who is leading the inquiry team, presented an application in this regard.

On August 5, Sheikh Hasina slammed the current interim regime and hailed the people for standing up in the face of “injustice and repression.”

In an open letter to the people of Bangladesh as the nation marked one year since the fall of the democratically elected Awami League government on August 5, Hasina wrote, “One year ago today, our nation witnessed the violent interruption of our hard-fought democracy, as an unelected regime seized power through unconstitutional means. It was a dark moment in our history, an affront to the will of the people, and a betrayal of the trust between citizens and the state.”

Slamming the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, Hasina stated, “While they may have taken power, they will never take away our spirit, our resolve, or our destiny. I can assure you of that.” She praised the extraordinary courage of the people of Bangladesh who have refused to be silenced in the face of “injustice and repression.”

“You have stood up for democracy, for freedom, and for the future we all deserve. I am constantly inspired by your courage and your love for our country. Though this past year has tested us, it has also revealed the unbreakable bond between our people and the values of democracy. We have endured hardship, but in that hardship, we have found unity and purpose,” the letter detailed.

Emphasising that “power belongs to the people”, Hasina stated no regime can suppress the will of a nation forever, adding that their struggle for the just cause continues. The former PM urged the people to continue “to stand for justice, for economic opportunity, for education, for peace, and for a nation where no one lives in fear.”

“Together, we will rebuild what has been broken. Together, we will reclaim the institutions that were taken from us. And together, we will write a new chapter, one defined not by oppression, but by hope, progress, and freedom,” she said.

-IANS

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The post Yunus-Led Interim Government Warns Media In Bangladesh Against Airing Former PM Sheikh Hasina’s Statements appeared first on The Commune.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh on Tuesday rejected the application of senior Supreme Court lawyer Z.I. Khan Panna to represent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the case of crimes against humanity linked to last year’s July demonstrations.

Analysts reckon the decision constitutes a travesty of justice, denying Hasina the right to be represented in the case. The application was filed by lawyer Nazneen Nahar on behalf of Panna at the tribunal seeking to defend Hasina in the case, local media reported. The tribunal questioned the purpose of the application during the testimony stage, stating that it could not be accepted.

“The train has already left the station; there is no way to board it by informing the station master. At this stage of the case, there is no opportunity to appoint a new lawyer,” leading Bangladeshi daily The Business Standard quoted the ICT as saying in response to the petition.

The tribunal noted that the state has already appointed Supreme Court lawyer Amir Hossain to conduct hearings on behalf of Hasina. Earlier, on August 3, the prosecution at the ICT began its proceedings in a case against Hasina and two others over alleged crimes against humanity.

The co-accused include former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun. Following the proceedings, the Awami League denounced the charges brought against its leadership, calling them a “politically motivated” move orchestrated by the Muhammad Yunus-led “illegitimate” interim government. Awami League leader Mohammad A. Arafat stated that neither former Prime Minister Hasina nor him have received any formal notice of the trial proceedings against the party members, which he said, highlights the “absurdity” of the “unelected” government.

“This is part of a broader campaign by an unelected usurper heading an illegitimate government, intent on erasing democratic legitimacy, silencing opposition, and clinging to power. Such a regime has no legal or moral authority to prosecute a government elected by the people’s mandate. An illegitimate regime cannot amend legislation passed by Parliament. Only Parliament has that authority,” Arafat said in a statement. He said that no democratically elected leader should be “prosecuted for upholding constitutional duties in the face of violent insurrection.”

-IANS

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The post Bangladesh Tribunal Rejects Lawyer’s Plea To Defend Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina appeared first on The Commune.

As Bangladesh marked one year since the fall of the democratically elected Awami League government on 5 August 2025, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina slammed the current interim regime and hailed the people for standing up in the face of “injustice and repression.”

In an open letter, the people of the country, Hasina wrote, “One year ago today, our nation witnessed the violent interruption of our hard-fought democracy, as an unelected regime seized power through unconstitutional means. It was a dark moment in our history, an affront to the will of the people, and a betrayal of the trust between citizens and the state.” Slamming the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, Hasina stated, “While they may have taken power, they will never take away our spirit, our resolve, or our destiny. I can assure you of that.”

She praised the extraordinary courage of the people of Bangladesh who have refused to be silenced in the face of “injustice and repression.” “You have stood up for democracy, for freedom, and for the future we all deserve. I am constantly inspired by your courage and your love for our country. Though this past year has tested us, it has also revealed the unbreakable bond between our people and the values of democracy. We have endured hardship, but in that hardship, we have found unity and purpose,” the letter detailed. Emphasising that “power belongs to the people”, Hasina stated no regime can suppress the will of a nation forever, adding that their struggle for the just cause continues.

The former Prime Minister urged the people to continue “to stand for justice, for economic opportunity, for education, for peace, and for a nation where no one lives in fear.” “Together, we will rebuild what has been broken. Together, we will reclaim the institutions that were taken from us. And together, we will write a new chapter, one defined not by oppression, but by hope, progress, and freedom,” she said. Hasina expressed hope for the future and called on the people to remember it as “a rallying cry for a brighter tomorrow.” “Bangladesh has overcome adversity before, and we will rise again, stronger, more united, and more determined to build a democracy that truly serves its people. I believe in you. I believe in Bangladesh. And I believe that our best days are yet to come,” she added.

-IANS

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The post ‘Power Belongs To The People’ Sheikh Hasina Reaffirms Faith In Democracy As Bangladesh Marks Year Of Political Upheaval appeared first on The Commune.

Bangladesh’s Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman Masud on Monday stated that the Awami League will not be able to participate the General Elections. The Muhammad Yunus-led administration had issued an official notification on 12 May, banning the Awami League party and its affiliated bodies from conducting activities online and elsewhere.

According to the Election Commissioner, the acceptability of conducting election without the participation of Awami League cannot be stated. Masud made the comment while addressing a workshop titled ‘Review of Voters Lists for the upcoming General Elections’ at the Regional Public Administration Training Centre (RPATC) in Rajshahi. The Election Commission, it was detailed, is working to conduct elections in June 2026.

Akhter Ahmad, Secretary in the Election Commission and officials from Rajshahi Election Commission, Law Enforcement officials were also present at the workshop. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Saturday had expressed concerns that their December election deadline may quietly pass away as the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is showing no indication of launching preparations for the polls. Some senior BNP leaders stated that nine months after the Yunus-led interim government came to power, there is still no talk about holding elections in the country.

Additionally, many controversial moves, such as allowing human corridors to Rakhine and outsourcing port operations, have raised serious doubts about the government’s true intentions. The leaders further mentioned that the party rank and file is exerting pressure to take to the streets in order to put pressure on the interim government to announce a clear election roadmap and hold elections this year. Local media reported that a BNP leader, wishing to remain anonymous, said the party fears that the ban on activities of the Awami League, increasing contradictions among the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami are leading to unnecessary street protests, which might further complicate the political scenario in the coming days.

Further, the BNP suspects that the recent ban on the activities of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party, Awami League, and the subsequent suspension of the party’s registration by the Election Commission are part of a larger conspiracy by local and international actors to prolong the power of the interim government.

“Every now and then, new issues are brought forward, reforms are dragged out, and the overall situation is kept in a state of flux. It appears to be part of a larger conspiracy to defer elections indefinitely,” a member of the BNP Standing Committee told UNB on condition of anonymity. “Our youth rally will be held on 28 May with a massive showdown in Dhaka. From that rally, the BNP will send out a strong message to the government not to unnecessarily delay the election,” said another BNP leader

-IANS

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The post Awami League Banned From 2026 Elections, Bangladesh EC Says Party Cannot Participate Under Current Restrictions appeared first on The Commune.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday accused the interim government’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus of being the “mastermind of mass killings” and orchestrating attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. Addressing an Awami League event in New York virtually, Hasina slammed Yunus for allegedly targeting Hindu temples, including ISKCON sites, and other religious places of the minorities in Bangladesh.

“Today, I have been accused of mass killings. In reality, it is Muhammad Yunus who is responsible for mass killings through a deliberate plan along with his student coordinators. They are the masterminds,” Hasina asserted. The minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus, have come under a severe attack by Islamist elements in Bangladesh after the formation of the interim government in the country headed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. “Teachers and police are being attacked and murdered. Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists are being attacked. Many churches and temples are being targeted. Why are minorities being attacked?” she questioned, condemning the violence. She also mentioned Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman’s recent remarks where he had suggested that with continued violence, the interim government in Bangladesh would not last long.

Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam – the leaders of the so-called ‘Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’ that led to the fall of government headed by Hasina in August – have been spewing venom against Hindus in the country while calling for an immediate ban on ISKCON Bangladesh, accusing the spiritual organisation of “inciting unrest”. Last week, after the Bangladeshi authorities arrested and jailed Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote who is also associated with Iskcon Bangladesh, Hasina had strongly condemned the “tortures” inflicted on common people by the interim government in Bangladesh and called for “immediate release” of the Hindu priest. “A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately,” said Hasina.

The Bangladesh Awami League (AL) president and daughter of the ‘Father of the Nation’ Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had also highlighted several incidents of persecution of members of minority communities that have been reported from across 52 districts in Bangladesh since her resignation on August 5, this year. “A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and houses of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized and looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured,” she stated. “After the killing of innumerable Awami League leaders and workers, students and members of the law and order forces, harassment is going on through assaults and arrests. I strongly condemn and protest against these anarchist activities,” Hasina added.

–IANS

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The post Muhammad Yunus, Student Leaders Masterminds Behind Mass Killings In Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina appeared first on The Commune.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma sparked controversy following the viral spread of a speech transcript from his recent US visit, where he met with the Chin community in Indianapolis. The transcript, first highlighted by activist Savio Rodrigues in Goa Chronicle, revealed Lalduhoma’s appeal for unity among the Zo (Chin-Kuki-Mizo) people across Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India based on ethnic and religious ties. His remarks come at a time of heightened ethnic tension between the Meitei and Kuki communities in neighboring Manipur.

In his address, Lalduhoma expressed concerns that religion could be a source of division rather than unity. He noted, “There is a real danger of our religion becoming a source of disunity and division, rather than a united, strong, and impenetrable fortress.” Lamenting the lack of a united Church of Northeast India, he praised efforts by the Chin and Myanmar Relief Committees of Mizoram, which support Kuki-Zo refugees.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for solidarity among Zo groups, referencing multiple factions within the Chin Hills and encouraging cooperation. He commended efforts by the Zo Reunification Organisation (ZORO) and the Chin Unity Forum, both working toward Zo unity. His message highlighted the ambition for a united “nationhood,” transcending the borders that divide the Zo people across three countries.

He also said, “It’s just like a two-way traffic. As far as we are concerned, we shall never ever accept the division of our people into 3 countries. This will never be acceptable. The boundaries are imposed boundaries by the British government. In that committee, we are never represented, we are never consulted. Therefore, it is an imposed boundary and will never accept it. We will never accept construction of a border fencing between us.”

Mizoram CM PU Lalduhoma gives a call during the US tour for a united Chin-Kuki-Zo Nation, while appealing for unity among culturally linked tribes across India, Bangladesh, & Myanmar.

A Separatist Agenda to Divide Northeast India? A call for Nationhood? pic.twitter.com/NN9OI2Y7Dg

— Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) November 4, 2024

What is interesting is that the same Mizoram CM met with one of the admins of the Dravidianist separatist handle We Dravidians – Shaikh Abid Hasan.

https://twitter.com/KantInEast/status/1843165636056461407

During his visit, Hasan reportedly met with Lalduhoma in January 2024, a leader of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and current Mizoram Chief Minister, who has advocated for extraterritorial Kuki-Zo unity. Hasan also claimed to have met a Christian nationalist from the Mizo National Front (MNF) who could potentially lead Mizoram in the future.

In October 2024, we reported on the 4 admins of the rabid secessionist handle We Dravidians. One of them turned out to be a Bengali Muslim. When exposed, he pretended to not know who We Dravidians were and tried to cut off ties with the group.

They are exposing themselves

We will find other 2 as well. just matter of time pic.twitter.com/wzF1CKRrAb

— Hindutva Knight (@HPhobiaWatch) October 7, 2024

However, he forgot to remove the reference on his bio.

Hasan, a supporter of the radical group Indian Secular Front (ISF), admitted during a Twitter Space to having traveled to Aizawl, Mizoram’s capital, with financial backing from Kuki supporters, stating, “I went to Aizawl on Kuki money, okay?”

Golden nuggets here!
The guy who wanted to know the procreation capacity of Kuki ladies recently “went to Aizawl on Kuki money”!

Indeed

I rest my case

Samjha? pic.twitter.com/32MLcg6KWU

— नरेशचन्द्र (@nareshchandra_1) September 30, 2024

Hasan also claimed that he met Mizo National Front people and allegedly defamed Meities.

@shershabadia, the mullah who travelled to Aizawl using Kuki money is now making rounds on SM.
Why?
This very Katua teamed up with #KukiZo propagandist @ChinKukiMizo, @siamixsiami @HRHlenn @MinMin8306 to defame the Meiteis.
I wonder what he’s doing with @Lal_Duhoma? #Mizoram https://t.co/PFYILRoqLg pic.twitter.com/r4mxlHy32c

— Ketuki (@KetukiSpeaks) October 7, 2024

Notably, Hasan has openly expressed hostility toward the Meitei community in Manipur, previously calling for their ethnic elimination. He warned in a tweet, “Believe me, the day my party forms Govt at the centre and in Manipur, we will completely annihilate you.”

– @manipur_police @CrimeManipur @NBirenSingh

This user @shershabadia is threatening pogroms against the citizens of Manipur. He also runs a notorious secessionist account called @WeDravidians & runs a political organization @AISecularFront

He should be behind the bar https://t.co/zV24xPyeWO pic.twitter.com/bgKYvvXmLf

— Hindutva Knight (@HPhobiaWatch) October 7, 2024

Hasan further threatened to drive Meiteis out of their homeland, suggesting Indians should “buy all Meitei properties” or even label Meiteis as “enemies of India,” forcing them to relocate to Burma.

He attempted to rally opposition against the Indian government by alleging its support for genocide in Myanmar, aiming to further stigmatize Meiteis and align with Kuki-Zo extremist narratives.

Hasina’s Warning

Following Lalduhoma’s Indianapolis speech, Hasina’s statements have gained new relevance. The former Prime Minister had suggested that Western influence, potentially aligned with church groups in the United States, could be backing aspirations for a “Zo” homeland. This proposed homeland, commonly called “Zoram,” would cover areas of Bangladesh, Myanmar’s Chin State, and India’s Mizoram and Manipur states, where the Chin-Kuki-Zo people predominantly reside. The push for this unified state has reportedly garnered support from various church organizations in the U.S. and is being championed by the Zo Reunification Organization (ZRO) in Mizoram, which has political backing from local parties like the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF).

The Chin-Kuki-Zo tribes’ movement, which has been gaining momentum, is not without militarized factions. Groups such as the Chin National Army (CNA) in Myanmar, the Kuki National Front (KNF) in India, and other affiliated factions have been actively seeking autonomy, with violent actions occurring in their respective regions. Lalduhoma’s speech in the U.S. has fueled apprehensions that Western powers could be taking advantage of these separatist sentiments to push for broader geopolitical interests.

Hasina’s revelation about alleged foreign intentions to establish a Christian state underscores existing concerns about sovereignty and national integrity. Her statement that a U.S. official had sought permission for an American air base on Bangladesh’s St. Martin’s Island in exchange for Western support in her administration indicates deeper regional interests. Although she rejected the offer, Hasina’s warnings highlight the broader strategy that some analysts suggest underpins Lalduhoma’s call for a unified Chin-Kuki-Zo nation.

The Northeast region of India, where Mizoram and Manipur are located, has long been a hotspot of ethnic diversity and political fragility. Observers fear that Lalduhoma’s Indianapolis speech, with its appeal for a Christian-majority state, might resonate with existing ethnic militancy and lead to intensified demands for autonomy. Combined with Hasina’s claims of Western-backed agendas, this narrative points to a strategic interest that could have ramifications for India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh alike.

The coincidence of Lalduhoma’s call for unity among the Chin-Kuki-Zo people, Hasina’s warnings about Western ambitions to redraw borders and this revelation of the meeting with Mizo CM are extremely concerning.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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The post We Dravidians Admin Who “Went To Aizwal On Kuki Money” Had Met Mizoram CM Who Called For “Chin-Kuki-Zo Nationhood” Potentially Undermining Indian Sovereignty appeared first on The Commune.

On 4 September 2024, Mizoram’s Chief Minister PU Lalduhoma delivered a “seemingly” powerful speech in Indianapolis, USA, advocating for the unity of the Chin-Kuki-Zo people—ethnic communities spread across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. His remarks called for these tribes to unite under a shared cultural and religious identity, transcending the national borders currently dividing them.

Lalduhoma’s message, urging “one leadership to achieve our destiny of nationhood,” emphasized their vision of a single homeland for the Chin-Kuki-Zo people, a notion that has raised concerns about a possible separatist movement with far-reaching implications for regional stability.

Lalduhoma’s address centered on the idea that these communities were “unjustly divided” across three countries and must come together to reclaim their “destiny of nationhood.” For many, his rhetoric went beyond a cultural message, suggesting a political unity that challenges existing boundaries in South Asia. His appeal to shared religious and ethnic bonds carries significant implications, particularly given the region’s history of ethnic tensions and separatist movements.

Mizoram CM Lalduhoma mentioned his desire to create a Christian nation including parts of Bharat, Bangladesh & Myanmar in an official statement at the US on 04.09.2024

The dominance of Church in local politics & the creation of the fictional "Kuki-Chin-Mizo" identity based on pic.twitter.com/MbqUjq9pXd

— Vladimir Adityanath (@VladAdiReturns) November 3, 2024

He said, “It’s just like a two-way traffic. As far as we are concerned, we shall never ever accept the division of our people into 3 countries. This will never be acceptable. The boundaries are imposed boundaries by the British government. In that committee, we are never represented, we are never consulted. Therefore, it is an imposed boundary and will never accept it. We will never accept construction of a border fencing between us.”

Mizoram CM PU Lalduhoma gives a call during the US tour for a united Chin-Kuki-Zo Nation, while appealing for unity among culturally linked tribes across India, Bangladesh, & Myanmar.

A Separatist Agenda to Divide Northeast India? A call for Nationhood? pic.twitter.com/NN9OI2Y7Dg

— Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) November 4, 2024

This vision for a unified Chin-Kuki-Zo nation has set off alarm bells among observers who worry it could encourage separatist sentiment and destabilize the region. Lalduhoma’s speech has raised questions about whether external powers might be supporting this movement, echoing recent statements by former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who warned of alleged foreign interference aiming to reshape South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.

Hasina’s comments, made just before her removal from office in a political coup on 5 August 2024, highlighted concerns about Western intentions to support the establishment of a Christian-majority state in the region. According to Hasina, a Western official had explicitly outlined plans to carve out an independent Christian nation from parts of Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India—a proposal Hasina compared to the East Timor model. Hasina suggested that this “Christian state” project could exploit the ethnic and religious divisions in South Asia, destabilizing the area to serve strategic interests.

Following Lalduhoma’s Indianapolis speech, Hasina’s statements have gained new relevance. The former Prime Minister had suggested that Western influence, potentially aligned with church groups in the United States, could be backing aspirations for a “Zo” homeland. This proposed homeland, commonly called “Zoram,” would cover areas of Bangladesh, Myanmar’s Chin State, and India’s Mizoram and Manipur states, where the Chin-Kuki-Zo people predominantly reside. The push for this unified state has reportedly garnered support from various church organizations in the U.S. and is being championed by the Zo Reunification Organization (ZRO) in Mizoram, which has political backing from local parties like the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF).

The Chin-Kuki-Zo tribes’ movement, which has been gaining momentum, is not without militarized factions. Groups such as the Chin National Army (CNA) in Myanmar, the Kuki National Front (KNF) in India, and other affiliated factions have been actively seeking autonomy, with violent actions occurring in their respective regions. Lalduhoma’s speech in the U.S. has fueled apprehensions that Western powers could be taking advantage of these separatist sentiments to push for broader geopolitical interests.

Hasina’s revelation about alleged foreign intentions to establish a Christian state underscores existing concerns about sovereignty and national integrity. Her statement that a U.S. official had sought permission for an American air base on Bangladesh’s St. Martin’s Island in exchange for Western support in her administration indicates deeper regional interests. Although she rejected the offer, Hasina’s warnings highlight the broader strategy that some analysts suggest underpins Lalduhoma’s call for a unified Chin-Kuki-Zo nation.

The Northeast region of India, where Mizoram and Manipur are located, has long been a hotspot of ethnic diversity and political fragility. Observers fear that Lalduhoma’s Indianapolis speech, with its appeal for a Christian-majority state, might resonate with existing ethnic militancy and lead to intensified demands for autonomy. Combined with Hasina’s claims of Western-backed agendas, this narrative points to a strategic interest that could have ramifications for India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh alike.

The coincidence of Lalduhoma’s call for unity among the Chin-Kuki-Zo people and Hasina’s warnings about Western ambitions to redraw borders are extremely concerning.

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The post A Christian State To Divide North-East India? Mizoram CM’s US Speech Echoes Hasina’s Warnings appeared first on The Commune.

The US government-linked International Republican Institute formed an army of student protesters, NGOs, LGBTQ influencers & rappers to rally in Bangladesh and remove Sheikh Hasina. Was it all because she denied the US a military base? Let’s explore.

The Gray Zone has seen leaked files that indicate the International Republican Institute cooperated with the US govt to create a “power shift” in Bangladesh – culminating in the toppling of elected PM Sheikh Hasina.

Footage showed students storming the presidential palace and celebrating the end of what Western media had dubbed as fascism in Dhaka. Then came the interim PM.

Muhammad Yunus, a Clinton Global Initiative fellow and Nobel Prize winner with a sketchy past in micro-lending, was now the leader. The US laughed off allegations it had any hand in his appointment or Sheikh Hasina’s ousting.

And then, last week, Yunus stood on stage next to Bill Clinton and revealed to the world the colour revolution was a “meticulously designed” plan that took a long time.

The IRI, as the Gray Zone reveals, has been operating in Bangladesh since the early 2000s.

In documents marked “confidential and/or privileged,” it’s claimed the IRI spent millions of dollars coaching opposition parties and creating a regime-change network of “urban youth” influencers – giving them the online tools.

The outlet stresses that the GOP-run subsidiary has fueled regime change operations globally since its creation by CIA Director William Casey some four decades ago.

Flashback to 2018, when Dhaka’s streets were mobbed by thousands demanding stricter road safety laws. The govt caved.

It provided a key training ground, it’s claimed, with student demonstrations swelling after the taste of victory. While trivial at the time, months and years later it stoked riots and a violent clampdown by police.

Analysts have linked the protests to online bot armies and social media movements – exactly what IRI stresses is important for a power shift.

In 2019, the IRI reportedly identified 170 activists in a report given to the US State Dept. It also mentions Hasina’s “lopsided” victory and that its campaign was being ramped up, partly due to the Opposition BNP failing to mobilise support.

A separate internal report titled, “Social Media, Protest, and Reform in Bangladesh’s Digital Era” gave an idea of what was to come, the Gray Zone writes: “Moving forward, IRI intends to expand its work with college students across the country.”

IRI used transgender events, music festivals, TV, and much more.

The ground army and the message had been created. All that was left was to storm the castle.

This article is based on an X thread by RT_India.

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The post Unveiling The Bangladesh Power Shift: The Role Of US-Backed Networks In Toppling Sheikh Hasina appeared first on The Commune.