Protecting minorities our job, India need not worry about them: Nahid tells BBC Hindi

Minorities in Bangladesh are citizens of this country and it falls within the government's responsibility to ensure their safety, said Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam.

"India doesn't need to worry about them," he added.

Nahid Islam made the remark during an interview with BBC Hindi on Thursday. 

"India should focus on the violence that took place last July-August. Discussions should be focused on the kind of support India can offer Bangladesh in facing these challenges," he further said.

Nahid mentioned that Indian media has been spreading false information about Bangladesh's interim government and stated that India should address this.

"We want discussions based on facts and aimed at improving relations," he said. 

"We would like to know how India views the July-August violence committed by the Awami League. Some countries have shown support for the people of Bangladesh, but India has remained silent. Additionally, India has provided refuge to a person who is directly linked to these incidents," Nahid added.

When asked whether the information adviser believes India is overlooking the recent violence in Bangladesh, he said, "If India genuinely empathises with those who lost loved ones, the people of Bangladesh will see that positively.

"I would like India's support in ensuring that legal action is taken against those responsible for these acts of violence," he added. 

Asked about some minority groups reporting mistreatment over the past three months, the information adviser said, "We are fully aware of what's happened and of the hardships people have endured. It's important to remember that things could have been much worse without timely action."

"For example, during Durga Puja, there were warnings of potential violence. We deployed enough law enforcers, and the celebrations went peacefully. Our government has engaged with the minority communities and assured them of their safety," he added.

Replying to another question, he said, "I would argue that no previous government has worked as closely with minority communities as we have over the past three months. Past governments have used these issues for political gains, eroding the trust of minority communities."

"We are trying to restore this trust. However, some issues require time to resolve," he added.

Asked about the concerns of extremist groups gaining strength and posing security risks for both Bangladesh and India with AL's departure, Nahid said, "The people of Bangladesh do not support extremist groups or violence. Bangladeshis want a democratic government. What you're saying reflects a narrative promoted by the Awami League, suggesting that without them, extremist groups would grow."

"The Awami League has ruled for many years, and India has supported this viewpoint. But the question is, why should Bangladesh's internal politics impact its relationship with India?" he asked.

"If India truly built its relationship with the people of Bangladesh and not just with the Awami League, this wouldn't be an issue. For example, we don't question who is in power in India, whether it's the BJP or Congress. The same principle should apply here — relations should not hinge on whether the Awami League is in power," he added.