Bangladesh Islami Front Dismisses ‘India Out’ Social Media Movement, Advocates Strengthening Delhi-Dhaka Relations
Delhi, India: Bangladesh’s right-wing political party, Bangladesh Islami Front, has staunchly rejected the recent ‘India Out’ social media movement in Bangladesh.
This campaign has gained traction following Sheikh Hasina’s victory, as she is perceived to have close ties with India, securing her fourth term in the recent national elections.
S U M Abdus Samad, the Secretary General of Bangladesh Islami Front, criticized the online campaign, attributing it to extremist elements spreading hate and misinformation.
Despite being a relatively small independent party, the Islami Front had fielded 37 candidates in the recent polls.
During an interview with ANI in New Delhi, Samad emphasized the importance of cordial relations between neighboring countries, underscoring the increased connectivity witnessed in recent years.
He highlighted the prevalence of misinformation, particularly regarding India’s actions during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and stressed the necessity for India to demonstrate friendship rather than animosity towards Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, an “India Out” campaign has surfaced on social media, led by Pinaki Bhattacharya, a medical professional and exiled blogger.
Bhattacharya and his social media followers, numbering around 53,000 on Twitter and 6,000 on Instagram, advocate boycotting Indian goods in response to alleged Indian interference in Bangladesh’s elections.
However, a report by the Digital Forensics and Research and Analytics Centre suggests that the campaign’s origins are dubious, with links to anti-India activities and political affiliations with parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Abdus Samad dismissed the campaign as misinformation, affirming Bangladesh’s progress under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership.
He lauded Hasina’s government for driving development across the country, emphasizing the transformation witnessed in cities like Dhaka and Chittagong.
Furthermore, Samad highlighted the growing people-to-people contact and enhanced connectivity between India and Bangladesh, citing examples such as train connectivity and increased trade.
Addressing terrorism and religious fundamentalism in South Asia, Samad stressed the importance of establishing a government in Pakistan that combats terrorism effectively. He condemned terrorism and asserted that it has no place in Islam.
In conclusion, Samad asserted that the “India-Out” campaign is limited to a small online group with ties to pro-Pakistan political entities, such as the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and radical factions.
He expressed confidence that the campaign would not disrupt the strong relationship between India and Bangladesh.
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