TL;DR:
- Nahid Islam, Bangladesh’s interim Information Adviser, assured that the government is responsible for protecting minorities and India need not intervene.
- He criticized Indian media for spreading false information and urged India to support Bangladesh in addressing communal violence.
- Islam highlighted that India has remained silent on the recent violence in Bangladesh and is harboring individuals linked to these incidents.
- Despite concerns, Islam affirmed that bilateral projects between India and Bangladesh continue as usual, with a review of investments underway.
In a recent interview with BBC Hindi, Nahid Islam, adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government for Information and Broadcasting, addressed concerns raised by India regarding the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. His remarks come amid rising tensions between the two neighboring countries following a series of violent incidents in Bangladesh earlier this year. Islam emphasized that India need not worry about Bangladesh’s minorities, asserting that the protection of these communities is the responsibility of the Bangladeshi government.
Islam’s comments were made in response to India’s expressed concerns over the treatment of minority groups, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. He acknowledged the challenges faced by minority communities but stated that the government had taken significant steps to ensure their safety. For instance, during the Durga Puja celebrations—a key Hindu festival—law enforcement was ramped up to prevent any violence, and the festivities proceeded peacefully. Islam also criticized Indian media for spreading what he described as “false information” about Bangladesh’s internal affairs, urging India to focus on constructive dialogue and support.
The interview comes in the wake of communal violence that erupted in Bangladesh between July and August 2024. The violence, reportedly linked to political unrest following protests against the Awami League government, resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. According to Islam, while some countries have offered support to Bangladesh in dealing with these challenges, India has remained largely silent. He also alluded to India’s harboring of individuals allegedly involved in these violent incidents, calling for accountability.
The strained relations between India and Bangladesh have been further complicated by anti-Indian sentiment that has grown since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hasina, who had maintained strong ties with India during her 15-year tenure, fled to India following her removal from office amid widespread protests. Her presence in India has become a point of contention between the two nations, with some factions in Bangladesh demanding her extradition to face charges related to human rights violations during her rule.
In his interview, Islam touched on these broader political dynamics, suggesting that India’s relationship with Bangladesh should not be contingent on who holds power in Dhaka. He criticized what he described as India’s “narrative promoted by the Awami League”—that without its leadership, extremist groups would gain strength in Bangladesh. Islam dismissed this notion, asserting that the people of Bangladesh do not support extremism and desire a democratic government.
Tensions between India and Bangladesh have been exacerbated by reports of violence against minorities since Hasina’s departure. According to a report by Amnesty International, there have been numerous incidents of mob violence targeting Hindu and Ahmadi communities in recent months. Amnesty has urged the interim government to take immediate action to protect minority groups and ensure justice for victims of these attacks.
Despite these challenges, Islam insisted that Bangladesh’s relationship with India remains intact, noting that ongoing projects between the two countries have not been disrupted. However, he did confirm that Bangladesh is currently reviewing its investments with various nations, including India, as part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and prevent corruption.
As both nations navigate this delicate period in their bilateral relations, it remains to be seen how they will address these complex issues moving forward.
Source: The Daily Star
