- Owaisi slams BCCI move to send back Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman
- Questions why Sheikh Hasina continues to stay in India
- Cites India–Pakistan cricket ties after Pahalgam attack
- Flags China–Pakistan influence in Bangladesh
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Jan: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday accused the Centre of following “double standards” in its handling of Bangladesh-related issues, questioning why Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman was asked to leave India while former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina continues to stay in the country.
Owaisi referred to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decision directing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Mustafizur Rahman amid ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. He contrasted it with India continuing to host Sheikh Hasina, who has been staying in India since leaving Bangladesh following political unrest.
“After the Pahalgam terror attack, we still played cricket with Pakistan in the Asia Cup. If a Bangladeshi cricketer can be sent back, then why can’t a Bangladeshi political leader be sent back?” Owaisi said.
He added that stability in Bangladesh is crucial for India, particularly in view of increasing influence of China and Pakistan in the neighbouring country.
“A Bangladeshi woman is living in India. Why is she being stopped here? Stability in Bangladesh is important for us, and China and Pakistan are active there. This needs serious consideration,” he said.
Bangladesh has sought Hasina’s return, but she and her family have maintained that she would face a politically motivated and unfair trial by what they describe as a hostile administration. India has earlier taken note of the death sentence passed by Bangladesh’s so-called International Crimes Tribunal.
Last week, the BCCI instructed KKR to release Mustafizur Rahman from their roster for the IPL 2026 season, a move that would allow the franchise to find a replacement if required.
