The main Opposition BNP on Saturday alleged that India is trying to transform Bangladesh into a “puppet state” by patronising the Awami league ahead of upcoming general elections.
“The ghost of Indian Sindabad (an evil character of The Arabian Nights) has got the better of this Government,” said Mirza Abbas, a senior member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) standing committee, said.
During a discussion at the National Press Club here, he alleged: “India wants to bring back the Awami league to power. For this reason, the Government is going to hold an unilateral election so that Bangladesh can be transformed into India’s puppet state.”
On Friday, Abbas criticised Indian High Commissioner Pankaj Saran for his purported activities, including a meeting with the Election Commission. “Whatever efforts Pankaj Saran may make, they cannot retain Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in power...I would like to tell him, you are only seeing your own interest and not the interest of the people of this country,” Abbas, a former Minister, said.