Summary:
- West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee described Bangladesh as “leaderless,” with a weak government allowing mafia groups to exploit the situation and target minorities.
- She warned that instability in Bangladesh could spill over into Indian states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, urging peace and cooperation among neighbors.
- Banerjee called on the Indian central government to maintain communication with Bangladesh and ensure regional stability while advocating for justice for the persecuted.
- Despite the unrest, she expressed hope for Bangladesh’s recovery, emphasizing shared cultural ties and the importance of peaceful coexistence.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating political and social instability in neighboring Bangladesh, emphasizing its potential to impact not only West Bengal but also other Indian states like Bihar and Odisha. Speaking on December 6 during an interview on News-18 India, Banerjee expressed grave concerns about the situation in Bangladesh, which she described as being in a “leaderless state,” allowing criminal elements to exploit the chaos and target minority communities.
“When the government becomes weak and certain mafia groups seize the opportunity, such incidents occur,” Banerjee stated, referring to reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. She stressed that while she does not wish to interfere in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, the ongoing instability could have far-reaching consequences for India. “If there is fire at the Bangladesh border, it will not spare Bihar or Odisha either,” she warned.
Banerjee also called for proactive measures from the Indian central government to ensure peace and stability in the region. She urged New Delhi to maintain open communication channels with Dhaka and work towards safeguarding the security of all communities. “I want our neighbors to live in peace with us,” she said, reiterating her hope that Bangladesh overcomes its current challenges.
Highlighting the cultural and linguistic ties between West Bengal and Bangladesh, Banerjee remarked, “We share a common language and culture. There are geographical boundaries, but there are no boundaries of the heart.” Despite her critical observations, she expressed optimism for Bangladesh’s recovery from its political turbulence.
This is not the first time Banerjee has raised concerns about developments in Bangladesh. Earlier this month, she urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek United Nations intervention by deploying peacekeeping forces to address the situation. She also proposed sheltering persecuted individuals from Bangladesh in India if necessary, emphasizing India’s readiness to share resources to support those affected.
The situation in Bangladesh has drawn widespread attention due to reports of violence against minority communities. Civil society organizations in India have planned protests, including a march to the Bangladesh Embassy in Delhi on December 10—International Human Rights Day—to demand international intervention. Meanwhile, opposition voices within Bangladesh have criticized Banerjee’s remarks as a threat to their sovereignty. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned her statements as interference in Bangladesh’s internal matters.
The unrest in Bangladesh has been marked by attacks on minority communities and allegations of government inability to protect vulnerable groups. For instance, recent incidents in Sunamganj district saw over 100 houses belonging to Hindus vandalized and looted, prompting strong condemnation from advocacy groups like the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council.
As tensions persist across borders, Banerjee’s remarks underscore the interconnected nature of regional stability and highlight the need for diplomatic efforts to address these pressing issues.
Source: Daily Inqilab
