Staff Reporter :
India’s persistent involvement in Bangladesh’s internal matters has sparked criticism for being both unwarranted and hypocritical, particularly in light of ongoing human rights concerns regarding minority Muslims in India.
Professor Asif Nazrul, a law adviser, voiced these concerns in a Facebook post on Friday, describing India’s approach as “reprehensible and objectionable.”
Citing a recent Voice of America (Bangla) survey, Nazrul noted that 64.1 per cent of Bangladeshi respondents believe the current interim government provides better security for minorities compared to the previous Awami League adm inistration.
He stated:
“We have seen how student organisations, madrassas, political parties, and the general public have come together to ensure the safety of minorities during recent Durga Puja celebrations. Even after the provocative and tragic murder of lawyer Saiful Islam in Chattogram, Bangladeshi Muslims have displayed commendable patience and restraint.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs recently raised concerns over the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, criticising the rejection of his bail plea. On Tuesday, India linked the incident to broader concerns about minority rights in Bangladesh, referencing recent attacks on minority homes, businesses, and temples, including acts of arson, looting, and desecration.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs promptly issued a statement rejecting India’s remarks as interference in its internal affairs. It clarified that Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested based on specific allegations and expressed disappointment over what it termed a “misrepresentation” of the situation.
The statement read:
“This baseless assertion not only distorts the facts but also undermines the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding between the two neighbouring nations.”
Professor Nazrul criticised India’s selective approach to human rights, stating:
“India shows no remorse or hesitation when it comes to the numerous atrocities committed against its minority Muslim population, yet it feels entitled to comment on Bangladesh. This double standard is both condemnable and offensive.”
The ongoing dialogue underscores the complexities of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with concerns about minority rights continuing to be a sensitive and contentious issue.
