In a striking commentary, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has spotlighted what he perceives as India's inconsistency regarding its stance on Bangladeshi cricketer Muztafizur Rahman and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Owaisi's remarks come in the wake of the recent decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to instruct the Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, to release Rahman amid escalating violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
He raised a compelling point about the broader context of international relations and sporting events, stating that despite a horrific attack by Pakistan-origin terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India proceeded to play a cricket match against Pakistan. This led him to question the rationale behind sending back the Bangladeshi pacer.
Owaisi highlighted the apparent double standards in India's actions by asking why, if it is acceptable to send back Rahman, the same measure isn't applied to Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in India since fleeing her country due to violent protests. He stated, "After the Pahalgam attack, we played with Pakistan in the Asia Cup. A Bangladeshi woman is living in India, so send her also. Why is she being stopped in the country?"
He further emphasized the significance of stability in Bangladesh for India’s national interests, pointing out that both China and Pakistan are actively involved in the region. His comments raise pertinent questions about geopolitical strategies and the complexities of diplomatic relations.
The government of Bangladesh has been urging Hasina to return, but she and her family have expressed concerns over the possibility of facing a politically motivated trial under a radical administration that harbors hostility towards her. Notably, India has acknowledged the controversial death sentence handed down by the so-called 'International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh'.
As for Muztafizur Rahman, the BCCI's directive for the Kolkata Knight Riders to let him go from their roster for the 2026 IPL season allows the franchise some flexibility to find a replacement if necessary. This decision has spurred conversations about the intersection of sports and politics, and many, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, have voiced their objections to such intertwining of the two realms.
