Bangladesh protests Amit Shah's 'infiltrators' remark at Jharkhand poll rally
The interim government in Bangladesh has lodged a formal protest with India over comments made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During a recent election campaign, Shah referred to Bangladeshi nationals as "infiltrators" and vowed to "hang every Bangladeshi infiltrator upside down to give them a lesson." The protest note, submitted to India's deputy high commissioner in Dhaka, described these remarks as "highly deplorable."
Bangladesh expresses 'deep hurt' over Shah's remarks
The protest note stated that the ministry conveyed its "serious reservation, deep sense of hurt and extreme displeasure" over Shah's comments. It also urged the Indian government to advise its political leaders against making such "objectionable and unacceptable" remarks. The note emphasized that these comments, coming from responsible positions, undermine mutual respect and understanding between two friendly countries.
Shah's campaign promises stir controversy
To recall, during his campaign speech, Shah had promised that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is elected to power in Jharkhand, it would "eliminate" every infiltrator from the region. He accused opposition parties of using these infiltrators as their vote bank and pledged to identify and expel all such individuals if a change in government occurs. He also criticized the current Jharkhand government for allegedly supporting Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators.
Bangladesh lifts export ban on hilsa fish
In a separate development, the interim government of Bangladesh has lifted the export ban on Hilsa fish to India ahead of Durga Puja, a significant festival for Hindu Bengalis. Officials confirmed that an export of 3,000 tons of Hilsa has been approved. This move comes amidst strained relations between the two countries following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's departure from Bangladesh in August and her stay since then in India.
