Bangladesh formally lodged a protest with India on Monday, expressing deep concern over recent comments by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Bangladeshi nationals during his Jharkhand rally. A protest note was handed to the Deputy High Commissioner of India in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which said Bangladesh is seriously concerned and asks the Indian government to advise its political leaders against making such obnoxious remarks. Shah at a rally in Jharkhand alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators are harming local culture, and if his party is voted to power, he will step in to address the issue.

Bangladesh Denounces Amit Shah’s Remarks

The protest was triggered by Amit Shah’s speech at a rally in the Sahibganj district of Jharkhand where he spoke about the issues of Bangladeshi infiltrators. They were marrying our women, grabbing land, and thereby threatening the rich tribal culture of the region, Shah alleged, while making references to the forthcoming assembly elections where he asked support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and promised to make good on a pledge to evict Bangladeshi infiltrators if the party came to power.

Some of his derogatory remarks include, “We will drive each one of them out. Let the lotus bloom here,” and “We will hang every Bangladeshi infiltrator upside down to give them a lesson.” His rhetoric also targeted the state government for giving support to Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators. Further, he accused them of marrying local women and destroying tribal heritage.

Bangladesh’s Strong Response

Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted with “grave reservations, deep sense of hurt, and extreme displeasure,” according to a protest note submitted to the Indian Deputy High Commissioner. The note calls on India to inform its political leadership that they should not issue statements of this sort since Bangladesh feels they are not only objectionable but also unacceptable.

According to the foreign ministry, such remarks undermine the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation that has historically defined the relationship between the two neighboring countries. Such remarks coming from a responsible position from one’s position against nationals of a neighbouring country undermine the spirit of mutual respect and understanding between two friendly countries.

Call For Mutual Respect

Bangladesh warned that respectful dialogue and mutual understanding are very essential for making the friendly ties between the two nations last long. Bangladesh further reflected that statements of this nature, especially by top officials, could be used to hurt diplomatic ties.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh further reiterated that Bangladesh will continue to be positive and cooperative towards India. It asked New Delhi to act responsibly and make sure that the political rhetoric does not create any misconception between both countries.

Stand Of India On Infiltration

Amit Shah spoke this in the context of a running controversy within India over Bangladeshis’ immigration illegally, which is the most sensitive and volatile political issue being raised in the debate every election time. The BJP always cornered the hardline stance on this aspect, demanding stern measures to discourage illegal immigration. The party had repeatedly claimed that all state governments, especially those along the borders of Bangladesh, were either supporting it or turning a blind eye to the issue of infiltration.

Shah’s words at the rally were a little different from the political rhetoric of the BJP, which was calling for even more aggressive measures to be taken against such infiltrators, especially those coming from Bangladesh and Myanmar. The party argues that these infiltrators pose a security threat and vitiate the cultural and social fabric of Indian societies.