Reza Mahmud :
A surge in social media calls for boycotting Indian products has resonated deeply among Bangladeshis, garnering substantial support from individuals and notable politicians from major opposition parties.
While the movement has not yet become a formal political campaign, its backing by various politicians is evident.
Business communities have observed a notable decline in the demand for Indian goods since the initiation of these campaigns.
The primary opposition, BNP, along with approximately 63 other political parties that abstained from participating in the January 7 national election, have expressed their support for this boycott. This collective endorsement was announced during a press briefing at BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan.
BNP Senior Joint-Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, articulating the stance of these parties, highlighted their unified support for the ‘boycott Indian products’ movement.
Rizvi criticized the Awami League’s dependence on India for maintaining power, accusing it of compromising the nation’s sovereignty for political gain.
He further condemned the Awami League for engaging in repressive actions with India’s support, fueling public discontent and leading to the ‘India out’ campaigns. The rationale behind this movement, according to Rizvi, is the perceived alignment of India with anti-people forces within Bangladesh.
Amid these developments, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy of the BNP pointed to comments made by AL’s General Secretary Obaidul Quader as a catalyst for the boycott movement, highlighting the controversial nature of India’s involvement in Bangladeshi politics.
Ali Riaz, a professor at Illinois State University, echoed concerns over India’s support for the Awami League potentially undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
Despite widespread support within the BNP for boycotting Indian products, the party seeks to maintain a strategic balance, opting not to politicize the anti-India sentiment overtly. According to a BNP Standing Committee Member, the movement, sparked by social media activists post the January 7 election, should not be given a political coloration by the party at this juncture.
Conversely, the Awami League and government officials have criticized the boycott, suggesting it aims to destabilize the market and harm the populace. Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud and AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader have dismissed the boycott as a ploy by the BNP to distract from its lack of a substantive agenda. Meanwhile, importers of Indian goods report adverse effects on their businesses due to the growing boycott.
