Islamabad (Social Media Point News - DW Urdu - September 24, 2024): The government of Bangladesh lodged a strong protest with New Delhi on Monday regarding recent statements made by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah concerning its citizens, deeming the comments "extremely regrettable."
During a visit to Jharkhand last week, Amit Shah made controversial remarks about Bangladeshi citizens, which Dhaka has condemned as "highly objectionable and regrettable."
In response, the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs handed a protest note to Indian diplomat Poon Budh, stating that Shah's comments collectively hurt Bangladesh's "deep sentiments."
The Ministry's statement expressed, "We have registered a strong protest against the extremely regrettable remarks made by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to Jharkhand concerning Bangladeshi citizens."
Furthermore, it emphasized that "such statements from those in responsible positions undermine the spirit of mutual respect and understanding between two friendly nations."
This protest was issued after Amit Shah spoke about alleged immigrants coming from neighboring Bangladesh to India, stating that if the people of Jharkhand elect the BJP to power, the government would "teach every Bangladeshi intruder a lesson."
During a speech on September 20 in Sahibganj, Jharkhand, Shah remarked, "Slogans are being raised for Hindus and tribals to leave Jharkhand. Tell me, whose land is this? Is it for the tribals or for Rohingya Muslims and Bangladeshi intruders?"
Importantly, India is trying to establish connections with Bangladesh's interim government, which has traditionally supported Sheikh Hasina's party and her administration. Following a recent political upheaval triggered by student protests, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India and remains there.
Throughout the last three weeks of September, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka has been reaching out to stakeholders in Bangladesh's interim government. On Sunday, Poon Budh also met with the General Secretary of Bangladesh's Nationalist Party along with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma.
