In an interview aired on Thursday by BBC Hindi, Nahid Islam, the Adviser for Information and Broadcasting in Bangladesh’s interim government, addressed concerns raised by India regarding the safety of minorities in Bangladesh and recent communal tensions. Nahid Islam, a key figure in the government, urged India to focus on its own issues and not worry about Bangladesh's minority communities, stressing that the protection of minorities in Bangladesh is the country's responsibility.
When questioned about India’s repeated concerns over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, Nahid responded firmly, saying, "The minorities in Bangladesh are our citizens, and it’s our duty to ensure their safety. India doesn’t need to worry about them." He also called for a shift in the nature of discussions between the two countries, suggesting that India should focus on providing support to Bangladesh in addressing its challenges, particularly the violence that occurred in the months of July and August.
Nahid expressed frustration over what he perceived as India’s silence regarding the violence and the controversial sheltering of an individual linked to the incidents in Bangladesh. He pointed out that other nations had shown solidarity with Bangladesh’s people, but India had not taken a similar stance. "If India truly empathizes with those who suffered, the people of Bangladesh would appreciate it," he said, urging India to support legal action against those responsible for the violence.
Regarding the recent unrest and concerns about minority safety, Nahid Islam acknowledged the hardships faced by some communities but emphasized that the government had worked hard to prevent further escalation. He mentioned that during the Durga Puja celebrations, potential violence had been prevented by swift action from law enforcement.
Nahid also responded to concerns about extremist groups gaining strength in Bangladesh, dismissing the narrative often promoted by the Awami League, which India has supported, claiming that the people of Bangladesh do not back such groups. He also addressed speculation that Bangladesh might review its investment projects with India, clarifying that the country was reviewing all foreign projects, not just those with India.
In closing, Islam reiterated that Bangladesh’s internal politics should not influence its relationship with India, and stressed the importance of cooperation between the two nations for the benefit of both countries.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
