Advisor to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Nahid Islam, has warned that India’s attempts to turn Bangladesh into an internal political issue could be harmful to India’s domestic politics. He issued this warning through a statement on his verified Facebook and X accounts last night (Tuesday).
The statement came amid rising tensions in Bangladesh, following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson for the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha, and violence, including an attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala.
In the statement, Nahid Islam pointed out that the ruling establishment in India is engaged in divisive politics and spreading anti-Bangladesh falsehoods. He stated that the Indian government and Hindutva forces do not want democratic relations and harmony between the peoples of both countries.
He emphasized the historical and cultural ties between Bangladesh and West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam, calling them stakeholders in the region. During the ongoing popular uprising in Bangladesh, students in Kolkata and Delhi showed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and protested against the brutalities of Sheikh Hasina’s regime.
Describing these democratic-minded people of India as friends of Bangladesh, the Advisor expressed concern that the Indian ruling class and Hindutva forces do not desire such democratic relationships. They see Bangladesh’s uprising and the political awakening of its students as a threat, and as a result, they are fostering animosity towards Bangladesh.
He continued, “By raising the issue of minority oppression in Delhi, they are attempting to rehabilitate the fascist Awami League and disrupt Bangladesh’s democratic and nation-building processes.”
Nahid Islam further stated that Bangladesh has always emphasized that the Indian government must stop viewing Bangladesh through the lens of the Awami League’s perspective and instead establish a new relationship based on justice, fairness, and mutual respect.
The Advisor reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring full citizenship rights, dignity, and security for all minority communities, including Hindus. He pointed out that minorities in Bangladesh have faced extreme persecution under the Awami League, yet India has unconditionally supported the Awami League.
He also noted that while India has failed to secure the rights of its own minorities, it has provided shelter and support to the Awami League, a party responsible for the persecution and genocide of minorities in Bangladesh.
Nahid Islam warned that by continuing to shelter and support the fugitive Sheikh Hasina, who is responsible for genocide and child killings, India risks compromising its democratic values.
He concluded by stressing that the stability and integrity of Bangladesh are deeply intertwined with that of India, and any efforts to undermine this relationship could destabilize both countries. The Advisor urged India to cease its false propaganda against Bangladesh and to maintain respect for democracy, peace, and mutual harmony.
