Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: India lodged a formal protest with Bangladesh after a controversial Facebook post by Mahfuz Alam, a key aide to Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor Muhammad Yunus, suggested annexing parts of India. The post, made on Bangladesh’s Victory Day, December 16, has since been deleted.
Mahfuz, known for his close ties with Yunus, accused India of attempting to “contain” Bangladesh through historical and recent events, including the 1975 coup and ongoing protests in 2024. He claimed Bangladesh must expand its territory to achieve “true independence.”
MEA Calls for Responsible Public Comments
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhi Jaiswal responded firmly, stating, “We have registered our strong protest on this issue with the Bangladesh side. While the post has reportedly been taken down, we remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments.”
Jaiswal emphasized India’s commitment to fostering good relations with Bangladesh but highlighted the importance of responsible articulation in public forums.
Context of the Controversial Statement
The remarks came on Victory Day, commemorating Bangladesh’s liberation in the 1971 war. Mahfuz alleged India’s policies have historically sought to ghettoize Bangladesh, citing events like the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and efforts to reduce Bangladesh’s dependency on India.
Mahfuz’s post was widely criticized for its provocative tone, calling it the “beginning” of Bangladesh’s “efforts for true liberation.”
Link to Protests and Global Attention
Mahfuz Alam was introduced by Muhammad Yunus at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York as the strategist behind protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s ousting. His comments have added tension to the relationship between India and Bangladesh, particularly during a sensitive political transition in Dhaka.
