Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi shared insights from his meetings with former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Election Commission’s credibility and independence. Quraishi mentioned that during their interactions, Hasina initially showed defensiveness but eventually embraced the significance of credible elections.
Quraishi recounted the circumstances leading to the meeting, highlighting a request from the then High Commissioner of Bangladesh in India to stress the Election Commission’s credibility to Hasina. He described seeking a courtesy meeting with Hasina, which she promptly accepted, with the presence of her senior advisors.
During the hour-long meeting, Quraishi elaborated on the crucial role of public trust in the Election Commission and the conduct of fair elections for a robust democracy. He noted Hasina’s initial defensiveness but also her openness to the concept. Quraishi further mentioned a subsequent meeting a decade later, where Hasina expressed concerns about foreign influences aiming to change her regime.
In his recent book, ‘India and I: A Hundred Memories, Not a Memoir,’ Quraishi delves into his encounters with Sheikh Hasina, including a meeting in 2023 where she appeared visibly strained. He detailed Hasina’s direct remarks about perceived external efforts, particularly by the United States, to orchestrate regime change.
