Hindus used as ‘political pawns’ under Hasina: CA’s press secretary

Bangladeshi Hindus under former prime minister Sheikh Hasina were not safe and were used as political pawns, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said. 

In an interview with India Today, the press secretary said the incidents of attacks on minorities after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina were not religiously motivated but linked to politics.

"The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council here had reported 45 murders, mostly of Hindus, between June 2023 and July 2024. Whereas the same body reported nine deaths between August 4 and August 20. While the latter report will be continuously highlighted, the former is subdued," Shafiqul said in the interview published yesterday.

He said they will maintain the "secular fabric of our society" but misinformation must be curbed. 

He urged journalists and members of the Indian civil society to visit Bangladesh and see for themselves that we live in complete communal harmony.

Alam emphasised the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations with India, citing shared borders, cultural ties, and familial connections. He noted that under Hasina's regime, the relationship became unbalanced, favoring India disproportionately. 

"We want a partnership based on equality, mutual respect, and trust," he said.

However, the press secretary expressed concern about certain vested interests in India working to destabilise ties, particularly those unable to accept Hasina's ouster. 

"I don't want to blame anyone. But it is important that all of us get some self-evaluation to figure out what is holding us back. Bangladesh has suggested that a four-nation hydel power grid - comprising Bangladesh, India, Bhutan and Nepal - be set up. Bangladesh and India can purchase hydel power generated in Nepal. This will reduce our carbon footprint and benefit all four nations," he said.

Regarding reports of Iskcon monks denied travel to India despite having legal documents, he said, "There was some miscommunication, I'm sure. I have personally spoken to Charuchandra Das Brahmachari, the general secretary of Iskcon in Bangladesh, and sorted it out."

He condemned the attack on Bangladesh mission in Agartala, calling it a "violation of diplomatic protocols", urging Indian authorities to ensure such incidents do not recur.  

Shafiqul Alam dismissed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's suggestion to deploy UN peacekeepers in Bangladesh as "hilarious". He invited Mamata to visit Bangladesh to witness the ground reality, asserting that the nation remains "peaceful and stable".