In a powerful message of solidarity and condemnation, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also the President of the Bangladesh Awami League, a major political party in Bangladesh, has expressed deep condolences on behalf of the people of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Awami League following a terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam in Kashmir. The attack occurred in Anantnag District of Kashmir.
“On behalf of the people of Bangladesh, and in my capacity as the President of the Bangladesh Awami League, I extend my deepest condolences to the victims who lost their lives in the heinous terrorist attack perpetrated by extremists and jihadists in Pahalgam, Kashmir”, she stated.
Highlighting the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and India, the former Prime Minister and Awami League President added, “This is a very difficult time for India, our dear friend and neighbor. India has a long history of standing by Bangladesh during our most challenging times—including in our fight for independence, an extremely devastating fight which was imposed on us, and in which three million people were killed and two hundred thousand women were raped by extremist soldiers and their collaborators. We stand in full solidarity with India and the Indian people during this extremely painful moment”.
Sheikh Hasina condemned the misuse of religion by terrorists, emphasizing, “These terrorists use the name of Islam as a shield to commit deplorable and barbaric acts, even though Islam calls for peace and urges believers to foster sincere friendship with all living beings. They are, in truth, enemies of a faith that was founded for peace as well as brotherhood. Terrorists are simply terrorists. They do not represent religion, and they certainly are not fit/worthy to represent Islam. Any country or regime that endorses or nurtures religious extremism does not have our support whatsoever!”
The former Prime Minister reiterated the global consensus against terrorism, citing both Islamic and Western nations: “Terrorism is condemned by all civilized nations of the modern world. Whether one looks to a developed and very ambitious country like the Saudi Arabia—where present-day Islam was born and maintained, or a highly advanced and developed country like the United States of America, it is very very clear that responsible nations are fully united in their efforts to combat terrorism and jihadism with sincerity and resolve. The Bangladesh Awami League, along with the peace-loving people of Bangladesh, very proudly stands with these nations in the global fight against extremism and terrorism”.
Turning attention to the long history of religious coexistence in the subcontinent, Sheikh Hasina said, “Religions have coexisted in this subcontinent for centuries. The peace-loving people of this land have always been deeply committed to upholding the true values of their respective faiths. But now, misguided by opportunists who lack moral and ethical integrity, a faction of individuals is committing heinous acts in the name of religion—including Islam. This is unacceptable in every possible way! The Bangladesh Awami League does not accept it, and neither do the peace-loving people of Bangladesh”.
Underscoring her party’s legacy of resistance against extremism, the Awami League President affirmed, “The Bangladesh Awami League, together with the people of Bangladesh, has a long and determined history of resisting fundamentalism and terrorism in all its forms—including the misuse of a peaceful religion like Islam to justify any sort of barbarism or violence. Our commitment remains unwavering”.
“We believe in peace and prosperity. We stand for peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity—not terrorism or bigotry. And, we know that the world is with us in this shared commitment to peace and prosperity”, she added.
Sheikh Hasina also warned of rising extremism within Bangladesh: “Since August 5, there has been a renewed and aggressive push by extremist and militant groups within Bangladesh to impose a fundamentalist ideology upon the peaceful people of Bangladesh. In response, the secular and peace-loving people of Bangladesh—under the leadership of the Bangladesh Awami League—have stood firmly in defense of our democratic and secular values”.
Reaffirming a global and regional commitment, she concluded, “The fight against terrorism and religious extremism is not confined to one nation; it is a shared struggle across the subcontinent and the entire world. In this collective effort and struggle, the Bangladesh Awami League and the secular forces of Bangladesh reaffirm their solidarity and unwavering commitment to the cause. We remain steadfast in our belief that we will prevail and continue to thrive”.
She finished by saying, “Joy Bangla! Joy Bangabandhu! Long Live Bangladesh! May the whole world see lasting peace and prosperity”.
