Following the formation of the BJP government in West Bengal, political parties in Bangladesh are closely monitoring the evolving political and communal landscape in the Indian state.
Particular attention is being paid to the security of the border and Muslim minorities, with leaders from the ruling BNP, as well as opposition figures from Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamic parties, adopting a cautious stance.
Top political leaders from these parties have emphasised that while they are “closely observing” the situation, they continue to stress the importance of peaceful coexistence among all communities in West Bengal. They are also urging the new government to ensure the safety of minorities, including Muslims.
BJP’s long-standing stance on communal issues, matters surrounding border security, and its hardline approach to immigration and citizenship have become key talking points in Bangladeshi political circles.
A significant issue that has emerged is BJP’s plan to implement border fencing within 45 days of forming the government in West Bengal, as per the party’s election promises. Reports from Indian media on Monday revealed that this move is part of a broader strategy to reduce border infiltration and strengthen joint operations between the Border Security Force and the police.
The BJP has come to power with a landslide victory in West Bengal, ending 15 years of Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress rule.
Following the victory, BJP has reiterated its policy to “identify, eliminate, and deport” illegal immigrants, a stance that has raised concerns within Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Several BNP government ministers addressed the issue with careful caution, reflecting the government’s diplomatic approach and concerns over sensitive matters such as border security and minority safety.
The Border Guard Bangladesh has been placed on maximum alert in response to the post-election situation in West Bengal, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Monday.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat, Salahuddin addressed concerns regarding the developments in West Bengal.
When asked about the political situation, the home minister said changes in government and administrative decisions, such as the construction of barbed-wire fences, are matters for India to handle internally.
On the same day, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad said, “The government will request India to halt attacks on Muslim minorities in West Bengal.”
He told reporters at the Secretariat while answering a question regarding the political shift in West Bengal, “There will be no tolerance for the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. If we fail to ensure communal security, I will resign from my post.”
Meanwhile, Jamaat leaders say while the party is currently taking a restrained stance, it is closely monitoring the West Bengal situation and may adjust its political strategy based on future developments.
“We want the Indian government to ensure the safety of its Muslim minorities. It is not only Muslims, but everyone living there should be given security, as it is their right,” Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher told TIMES of Bangladesh.
He said, “The formation of the BJP government in West Bengal will not result in significant changes in our relationship with India. We hope that the new government will ensure the safety of people’s lives and property, and work towards normalising the situation at the border.”
Responding to a question about whether Jamaat would react if Muslims face injustice in West Bengal, he said, “We do not wish to make premature statements. Time will dictate the course of action.”
Meanwhile, the BNP has expressed both diplomatic caution and political concern regarding the safety of minorities. Party leaders have emphasised the need to avoid any escalation of tensions or communal reactions in Bangladesh over the West Bengal issue.
“BNP is closely monitoring the situation in West Bengal. Our stance on this issue will be made clear in due course. However, we expect the elected government there to ensure that no Muslim minority faces persecution,” BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince told TIMES.
He also urged, “We call on all parties within the country to refrain from any form of radical behaviour regarding the West Bengal issue.”
Several Islamic political parties, including Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, have already raised their voices in protest against the alleged persecution of Muslims in West Bengal. Party leaders have stated that they are closely monitoring the situation in the region.
“If the persecution of ordinary Muslims in West Bengal continues, we will persist with peaceful protests. We hope that BJP will not take any actions that exacerbate the situation,” Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque said.
His party recently held a protest rally in front of Dhaka’s Baitul Mukarram Mosque, demanding action on the issue.
Expressing concerns about BJP’s potential actions, he said, “We fear that the party may attempt to strip local Muslims of their citizenship and push them out. The Bangladesh government must take strong diplomatic measures to prevent this and ensure strict border security.”
Gazi Ataur Rahman, senior joint secretary general and spokesperson of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, voiced his party’s concerns over the issue.
“We expect messages of peace and restraint from India. Otherwise, if Muslims continue to face persecution, it could strain relations. We expect democratic conduct from the newly elected government in West Bengal,” he told TIMES.
