India's ruling elite engaging in divisive politics, anti-Bangladesh rhetoric: Adviser Nahid 

India's ruling elite is engaging in divisive politics and anti-Bangladesh rhetoric, Adviser Nahid Islam said today (3 December).

In a post on X, he said, "Bangladesh shares historical and cultural ties with West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam; they are our stakeholders. During the ongoing uprising in Bangladesh, students from Kolkata and Delhi stood in solidarity with us and protested against Sheikh Hasina's atrocities. These democracy-loving people of India are our friends. However, India's ruling elite and Hindutva forces do not want such democratic relations and harmony."

They perceive Bangladesh's uprising and the political awakening of its students as a threat, he said, adding, as a result, they are fostering hatred against Bangladesh. 

By using the "minority persecution" narrative, Delhi is attempting to rehabilitate the fascist Awami League and disrupt Bangladesh's democratic and nation-rebuilding process, added Nahid, who is the adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology.

"From the beginning, we have been emphasising that the Indian government must stop viewing Bangladesh through the Awami League's lens and establish a new relationship based on equity, fairness, and mutual respect. Bangladesh is committed to ensuring full citizenship rights, dignity, and security for all minority communities, including Hindus. It was during the Awami League's tenure that minorities faced the highest level of persecution, yet Delhi has unconditionally supported the Awami League. While India fails to ensure the rights of its own minorities, it has provided shelter and support to the Awami League, a party that persecuted minorities and committed genocide in Bangladesh," the post reads.

By continuing to provide refuge and support to Sheikh Hasina, a fugitive responsible for genocide and child killings, the Indian government risks undermining shared democratic values, Nahid wrote, adding that India must not forget its stability and integrity are closely interlinked with the stability and integrity of Bangladesh.

Nahid, also adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, further said the BJP is attempting to turn Bangladesh into an internal political issue for India. "If this happens, it will be detrimental to India's domestic politics." 

"Anti-Bangladesh and anti-Muslim politics will not serve India's national interest or contribute to its unity. Therefore, we call on India to cease false propaganda against Bangladesh and uphold harmony and respect for democracy," said Nahid.