MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said such comments “underline the need for responsibility in public articulation.”
On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs said India lodged a “strong protest” with Dhaka over controversial statements by a key aide of Bangladesh’s interim government, Mahfuj Alam. Meade Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal cautioned leaders in the neighboring country, saying that New Delhi wants to remind “all concerned to be mindful of their public comments.”.
Jaiswal said that India reiterated its expression of interest in building a relationship with the interim government of Bangladesh. The official said such a remark underlines the need for responsibility in public articulation.
“We have strongly protested the matter to the Bangladesh side. We believe the post to which reference is being made has reportedly been withdrawn. Let all concerned remain cautious of public utterances. Though India has repeatedly indicated a desire to engage with the people and the interim government of Bangladesh, such utterances only make a case for caution in public expression,” Jaiswal said while addressing the media today.
PTI reported that Alam, in a now-deleted Facebook post, said India should recognize the uprising that forced Sheikh Hasina to resign as Bangladesh’s prime minister. Hasina was forced to resign after facing violent protests against reservations in government jobs.
She fled Dhaka in a military plane in August as mobs threatened her safety in the capital city. After she fled the country, her house was ransacked by mobs. Relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained since the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed.
New Delhi on Thursday expressed concern at incidents of violence targeting Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and said the interim government in Dhaka has the primary responsibility of protecting their life and liberty.
