Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, has escalated his criticism of the caretaker government in Bangladesh, accusing it of being "illegal" and unlawfully ousting the country's democratically elected Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Speaking passionately in an interview with India Today TV, Adhikari went further to describe the interim government as composed of "fundamentalists and militants," a strong condemnation that seeks to delegitimize the current administration in Bangladesh. Adhikari reiterated that Sheikh Hasina, who has been a significant political figure in the region, remains the legitimate Prime Minister of Bangladesh and that any attempt to remove her from office should only occur through a democratic process, not through what he called the unlawful actions of the interim government.
Adhikari’s comments came in the context of rising political instability in Bangladesh, where Hasina’s resignation on August 5 followed widespread student-led protests against the government. These protests have added to the growing tension in the country, particularly regarding the treatment of the Hindu minority population, which has faced rising violence and persecution under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The political instability and the growing dissent against the caretaker government have become a focal point for critics like Adhikari, who has voiced strong concerns over the security and well-being of the Bengali Hindu community.
Expressing grave concern about the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh, Adhikari accused the interim government of creating an atmosphere of fear and oppression. He emphasized that Bengali Hindus are enduring widespread panic, with increased violence against them in the country. Adhikari’s rhetoric sought to invoke solidarity among the global Hindu community, drawing attention to India’s historical connection to Bangladesh. He pointed out that India, and specifically the Indian Army, played a critical role in the country’s independence, with 17,000 Indian soldiers sacrificing their lives during the liberation war. Furthermore, he recalled the protection offered to Bangladesh’s founding leader, Mujibur Rahman, by India. With these points, Adhikari sought to underline the deep ties that India shares with Bangladesh, calling on the international community to come together in defense of the Hindu population in Bangladesh. He warned that any further harm to Hindus in the country would result in global outrage from the Hindu diaspora, amplifying the stakes of the ongoing political crisis.
In addition to his criticisms of Bangladesh’s caretaker government, Adhikari also attacked the policies of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He accused Banerjee’s government of engaging in appeasement politics and failing to address the plight of Hindus both in West Bengal and in Bangladesh. Adhikari criticized Banerjee’s handling of the issue, stating that her remarks in the state assembly were nothing more than "face-saving attempts" in response to mounting public criticism. He also noted the hypocrisy in Banerjee’s approach, where her ministers were allowed to hold rallies condemning the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, but Hindus in Bengal were being suppressed in their efforts to protest the treatment of their counterparts across the border. Adhikari further alleged that Banerjee’s government was suppressing protests in Bengal by Hindus, forcing them to resort to legal action rather than allowing them to freely express their concerns.
Adhikari's remarks signal not only his dissatisfaction with the political situation in Bangladesh but also his frustration with the approach taken by the West Bengal state government under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership. His statement that Mamata’s policies were shaped more by political convenience than genuine concern for the Hindu community resonates with a larger narrative of divisive politics and religious identity that has become a significant issue in Indian politics.
The backdrop of this fierce political rhetoric is an increasingly unstable Bangladesh, where the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, coupled with protests from students and civil society groups, has deepened the political crisis. Adhikari’s call for international intervention is an attempt to draw attention to the challenges faced by the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, which has reportedly suffered an uptick in violence, displacement, and discrimination under the caretaker government.
The situation in Bangladesh remains volatile, with protests and political unrest continuing to shape the narrative around the legitimacy of the caretaker government. Adhikari’s vocal opposition to this government and his sharp criticisms of Mamata Banerjee’s stance highlight the broader geopolitical and domestic tensions that have emerged between India and Bangladesh. The growing unrest in Bangladesh, particularly surrounding the treatment of the Hindu minority, remains a contentious issue for India, with Adhikari positioning himself as a vocal advocate for the rights of the oppressed communities and seeking to influence international opinion on the matter.
This situation is not just about the political future of Sheikh Hasina or Bangladesh’s internal governance but has implications for the broader regional dynamics, especially with India’s vested interest in ensuring the safety of its citizens, many of whom have familial and cultural ties to Bangladesh. The call for international intervention and a broader diplomatic response highlights the complex nature of the crisis and its potential to shape the future relationship between the two countries.
