C T Online Desk: Information and Broadcasting Adviser, Nahid Islam, said India has no reason to be concerned about Bangladesh’s minority communities.
In an interview with BBC Hindi on Thursday, he discussed minority protection, India-Bangladesh relations, and recent communal violence.
Nahid said that minorities in Bangladesh are citizens, and ensuring their security is the government’s responsibility.
He urged India to focus on how it can assist Bangladesh in addressing its challenges, rather than expressing concern about internal matters.
Criticizing Indian media for spreading misinformation about the Bangladeshi government, he said such actions create barriers to strengthening bilateral relations.
Addressing the violence in Bangladesh during July and August, Nahid called on India to clarify its stance. He questioned why India had remained silent on atrocities committed by the Awami League during that period.
He added that while some countries have stood by the Bangladeshi people, India has allegedly provided refuge to those responsible for the incidents.
On minority protection, Nahid highlighted the government’s proactive efforts, citing the peaceful observance of Durga Puja as evidence.
He accused the previous government of exploiting minority sentiments for political gain, which eroded trust, but asserted that the current government is working to rebuild confidence.
Nahid urged India to focus on fostering relations with Bangladesh as a whole, rather than being preoccupied with the political future of the Awami League.
He also highlighted the mutual benefits of joint India-Bangladesh projects, urging that they not be viewed through a partisan lens.
