India registers ‘strong protest’ with Bangladesh over remarks by interim govt aide Mahfuj Alam

‘Be mindful’: India lodges strong protest over Bangladesh interim govt aide’s comments on FB

India has lodged a strong protest with Dhaka over certain controversial comments by a key aide of Bangladesh‘s interim government Mahfuj Alam. In a now-deleted Facebook post, Alam said India should recognize the uprising that forced the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign. “We have registered our strong protest on this issue with the Bangladesh side. We understand that the post being referred to has reportedly been taken down,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. “We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments,” he said. “While India has repeatedly signalled interest in fostering relations with the people and the interim government of Bangladesh, such comments underline the need for responsibility in public articulation,” Jaiswal added.

India’s MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India is committed to continuing its strong bilateral relations with Bangladesh, but cautioned that public statements must be made carefully. The relationship between the two countries has recently been under strain, particularly after political turmoil in Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government collapsed amid violent protests over state job reservation policies. Following the unrest, Hasina fled the country in August after her residence in Dhaka was attacked by mobs, seeking refuge in India. The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, assumed control. However, the political instability and the establishment of this new government have exacerbated tensions between India and Bangladesh.

India has voiced ongoing concerns about the state of governance in Bangladesh and the safety of its minority communities. One of the most pressing issues raised by India is the increase in violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The MEA reported that 2,200 incidents of violence against Hindus occurred in 2024, a drastic increase from 302 cases in 2023. This surge in violence follows the collapse of the Awami League government and the rise of the interim administration.

India has raised these concerns with Bangladesh’s interim government, urging them to take immediate action to safeguard the rights and lives of Hindus and other minority communities. Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, reiterated India’s concerns in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing that the protection of minorities is a top priority for India.

India’s diplomatic engagement on this issue remains active. During a visit to Bangladesh in December 2024, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri directly conveyed India’s concerns to members of the caretaker administration. India continues to press Bangladesh to ensure the security of vulnerable communities within its borders.

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