Opinion What Pakistani press said about Modi-Trump meet, and UN report on Sheikh Hasina

Report on Hasina Crackdown

The UN report highlights serious human rights violations perpetrated by Sheikh Hasina’s security forces during the student-led anti-job quota protests in July and August 2024. It also estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed during the crackdown.

Welcoming the report, an editorial in The Daily Star on 13 February states, “This should put to rest any lingering attempts—domestic or international—to distort, downplay, or whitewash the atrocities the regime carried out in a desperate bid to retain power.” It further emphasises the necessity of ensuring accountability, declaring that “past crimes by the Awami regime, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions, are tried and those responsible held to account.”

Similarly, an editorial in Prothom Alo on 13 February echoed this sentiment, asserting that the report has “given a new dimension to the demand for fair and just accountability regarding the hundreds of killings and human rights violations that took place during the July-August mass uprising.” It concludes, “Above all, ensuring justice for the heinous human rights violations committed during the July-August period and facilitating a democratic transition through elections will be crucial in steering Bangladesh away from the dark legacy of authoritarian rule.”

Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, also addressed the issue in a column published on 14 February, arguing that the real challenge now is preventing such atrocities from recurring. In a scathing indictment of the previous government, he writes, “In its obsession with remaining in power, Sheikh Hasina’s government distorted and misused all institutions, including the judiciary, bureaucracy, police, and intelligence agencies. This facilitated the creation of the fascistic ruling structure from which we have now been freed by the student-led people’s uprising.” Looking ahead, he stresses the importance of institutional reform, stating that Bangladesh “must establish an independent and democratic oversight institution that will help govern them better and also prevent their political, partisan, and sometimes even personal misuse. There must also be fiduciary transparency concerning the budget and its utilisation. Examples abound all over the world where powerful intelligence agencies are monitored by parliamentary or other independent oversight bodies.”

Modi-Trump Joint Statement

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, a joint statement issued by him and President Donald Trump called on Pakistan to prevent its territory from being used for “cross-border terror attacks.” This statement provoked a strong reaction from Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

On this issue, The Nation‘s editorial on 15 February argues, “The Foreign Office has rightly dismissed the allegations as one-sided and unsubstantiated, pointing out that Pakistan has been at the forefront of combating terrorism and has sacrificed immensely in this battle.” It further contends that India and the US are attempting to isolate Pakistan, stating that both nations “are currently governed by right-wing leaderships whose policies are facing widespread criticism domestically and internationally. Their strategic partnership, while largely driven by economic and military interests, has also fostered a shared tendency to scapegoat Pakistan.” The editorial concludes, “Pakistan must continue to push back against such baseless accusations, engaging with international forums to ensure that its sacrifices and efforts in countering terrorism are recognised.”

Pakistan-Turkey ties

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan has generated significant anticipation in the Pakistani media. The Nation, in its editorial dated X, writes, “It is encouraging to see both nations actively working to strengthen their relationship. The memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries are a welcome development, especially as Pakistan seeks to boost investment following a period of macroeconomic stabilisation. Turkish investment would be a valuable addition to the country’s growing investment portfolio.”

Conversely, The Daily Times, in its 14 February editorial, expressed disappointment over the relationship’s failure to reach its full potential. It notes, “That Erdogan emerged as a hero during the devastating floods of 2022, personally engaging in relief efforts, has ingrained him in the hearts of many Pakistanis. Despite this profound historical bond and momentum in defence and diplomacy, the economic realm has not kept pace. The latest assertion to increase bilateral trade from a mere $1.5 billion to a target of $5 billion is commendable yet inadequate. The reality on the ground demands more than promises: it requires actionable strategies that translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible economic benefits.”

saptarshi.basak@expressindia.com