India has officially lodged a strong protest with Bangladesh, regarding controversial remarks made by Mahfuj Alam, a key aide in the country’s interim government. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concerns over Alam’s statements, which were perceived as provocative and irresponsible, especially given the sensitive nature of India-Bangladesh relations at this time.
Remarks by Mahfuj Alam: In a now-deleted Facebook post, Alam suggested that India should acknowledge the uprising that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He also included a map that depicted parts of Indian territory, specifically West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, as part of Bangladesh, which sparked significant backlash.
India’s Response: MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized the need for responsibility in public statements made by leaders of Bangladesh. He reiterated India’s commitment to fostering bilateral relations but cautioned that such comments could undermine diplomatic efforts.
Concerns Over Minority Safety: The protest also highlighted India’s worries regarding a rise in violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Reports indicated that incidents targeting Hindus surged from 302 in 2023 to 2,200 in 2024, raising alarms about the safety and rights of minority communities under the current interim administration.
Diplomatic Communication: The Indian high commission in Dhaka formally communicated these concerns through a note verbale, underscoring the seriousness with which India views these comments, and their potential impact on bilateral ties.
This incident reflects ongoing tensions between India and Bangladesh, particularly following the political upheaval in Bangladesh, which led to Sheikh Hasina’s departure, and the establishment of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
