The BNP is closely monitoring developments involving India, as the party’s policymakers view recent actions by the neighboring country as not only undiplomatic but also an unwarranted interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha, has drawn sharp criticism from the BNP regarding India’s remarks and subsequent actions. Additionally, the party expressed concern over attacks on Bangladesh’s Assistant High Commission in Agartala, following several recent incidents.
BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has called for restraint among the Bangladeshi public, urging them not to succumb to provocations amidst the ongoing regional tensions. Following a meeting of the BNP’s Standing Committee at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, this issue was identified as a major concern. On the same day, Tarique Rahman, in a post on X, expressed alarm over India’s inflammatory and politically charged remarks surrounding Bangladesh after the fall of the Awami League government.
He condemned the recent attack on Bangladesh’s consulate in Agartala and noted that India operates within an “echo chamber of misinformation” that exacerbates anti-Bangladesh sentiments. Tarique Rahman also highlighted that such incidents deepen divisions and undermine regional stability. He emphasized the importance of understanding the context behind Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power and the future of India-Bangladesh relations.
BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned the attack on the Assistant High Commission, labeling it as premeditated and a clear violation of the Vienna Convention. He urged the Indian government and its citizens to avoid leveraging Bangladesh as a tool for internal political strategies, warning that such actions could harm bilateral relations.
The BNP leadership discussed several contentious issues, including the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, the subsequent unrest leading to the death of a lawyer, attacks on Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions in Agartala and Kolkata, and controversial statements from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The party believes these incidents are interconnected, suggesting a calculated attempt to portray Bangladesh as a communal state.
Standing Committee members expressed concerns over India’s apparent double standards. They noted that despite numerous communal incidents and arrests of Muslim religious leaders within India, Bangladesh refrains from interfering, respecting diplomatic norms. They questioned the sudden shift in India’s attitude towards Bangladesh, particularly after Sheikh Hasina’s downfall.
The BNP plans to hold a press conference shortly to formally protest India’s actions. The event is expected to include a documentary detailing India’s recent and past behavior toward Bangladesh.
Additionally, the BNP expressed satisfaction with the verdict in the August 21 grenade attack case, asserting that the trial was politically motivated and part of Sheikh Hasina’s agenda to eliminate the Zia family from politics.
Lastly, the party plans to release a white paper documenting corruption during the 15-year rule of the Awami League, alleging that 28 trillion BDT was laundered during this period. Leaders called for government action to recover the funds and assigned party members to oversee the publication of this report.
