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Bangladeshi Journalist Urges Peaceful Ties with India Amidst Violent Unrest

Bangladeshi journalist Muktadir Rashid has called for Dhaka to maintain peaceful relations with New Delhi and other neighbors, criticizing the anti-India sentiments of groups like Islami Chhatra Shibir. He attributed current violent turmoil in Bangladesh to fringe elements seeking mainstream influence. Rashid addressed the lynching of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das, urging the incident be viewed through a humanitarian rather than sectarian lens. The killing has sparked protests in both countries and diplomatic strain, with India summoning the Bangladesh High Commissioner.

Key Points: Journalist Calls for Peaceful India-Bangladesh Relations

  • Call for peaceful India-Bangladesh ties
  • Condemnation of fringe anti-India elements
  • Humanitarian view on mob lynching
  • Regional cooperation emphasis
3 min read

Bangladeshi journalist Muktadir Rashid calls for "peaceful" relations between New Delhi-Dhaka

Bangladeshi journalist Muktadir Rashid advocates for calm relations with India, criticizes fringe anti-India elements, and addresses recent mob lynching.

"We want very peaceful and calm relations with our neighbours... - Muktadir Rashid"

Dhaka, December 25

Bangladeshi journalist Muktadir Rashid called for Dhaka to have "peaceful" relations with New Delhi and other neighbouring countries while criticising the Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, for anti-India sentiments.

Addressing the current violent turmoil in the country, Rashid called it a result of fringe elements wanting to be mainstream.

In an interview with ANI, "I don't want to make it like the way the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed students wanted to demolish the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. We don't want this kind of relationship. We, even the majority, never expected this kind of thing. It is a fringe element. They wanted to be mainstream. That is a similar pattern we are seeing. We want very peaceful and calm relations with our neighbours, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and the Maldives, because you see Bangladesh is a peaceful country, and they wanted to have in the 1980s just to bring all of our brothers and sisters together on the same platform so that we have equality and cooperation."

Referring to the lynching of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh amid violent protests in the country, Rashid suggested looking at the incident through a humanitarian lens.

"We want the relationship among the neighbours to always be peaceful. There are some mistakes, when I see someone being tortured and set on fire, I feel very shocked, irrespective of any religion, whether it is Buddhist, Christian, Muslim or whoever it is, but we don't want to see it in the sectarian optics, we should see it in humanitarian optics, and only that can survive," he said.

Dipu Das was killed in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district, evoking widespread criticism and again raising questions over the security of minorities in the country.

The incident led to widespread protests in Bangladesh and India. On Wednesday, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal held a bike rally in Vijayawada against mob lynching.

The protesters also burnt an effigy of Bangladesh's interim leader, Mohammad Yunus.

India on Tuesday summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner, the second time in a week, amid apparent strain in ties over the developments in the neighbouring country. The summons came amid protests in Bangladesh due to the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi and lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in two separate incidents.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's Education Adviser CR Abrar visited the family of Dipu Das on behalf of the Interim Government and expressed sympathy while also giving assurance of support.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate Mr. Rashid's sentiments, actions speak louder than words. The lynching of Dipu Das is horrific and unacceptable. The Bangladesh government must ensure the safety of all minorities. Strong diplomatic pressure from India is necessary until concrete steps are taken.
A
Aman W
The humanitarian lens he talks about is crucial. Violence against any person, irrespective of religion, is a crime against humanity. We must support voices like his within Bangladesh that are trying to steer the country away from sectarian violence. Peace is the only way forward for regional stability.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, the burning of effigies and bike rallies in India, while understandable as an expression of anger, might not be the most constructive response. It could inflame tensions further. Diplomacy and supporting the sane voices within Bangladesh, like this journalist, is key.
K
Karthik V
Bangladesh is our brother nation. We stood with them during their liberation. It's painful to see such incidents. The economic and cultural bonds are too deep to be broken by a violent minority. The governments need to work together to isolate these extremist elements completely.
N
Nisha Z
The visit by the Education Adviser to Dipu Das's family is a positive step, but it's not enough. There must be swift justice and a clear, public commitment to protect minority rights. The "fringe" often becomes mainstream if it's not challenged firmly by the state and civil society.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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