Union Home Minister Shah had criticised the JMM-led coalition government and accused it of encouraging infiltration from Bangladesh
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Dhaka has not taken kindly to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remark on ‘rampant infiltration’ from Bangladesh. It has lodged a “strong protest” against what it called “highly deplorable remarks” made by Shah during his recent visit to poll-bound Jharkhand
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh delivered a protest note to the High Commission of India in Dhaka, expressing that Shah’s comments had caused a “deep sense of hurt” in Bangladesh, media reports reaching here said on Tuesday.
During his speech in Sahibganj, Jharkhand, on September 20, Shah, addressing the inter-community tensions in the region, said: “In Pakur district, slogans are being raised asking Hindus and Adivasis to leave Jharkhand. Tell me, does this land belong to Adivasis or Rohingya, Bangladeshi infiltrators?”
Shah criticised the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition government and accused it of encouraging infiltration from Bangladesh and warned that illegal immigrants could form a majority in the state within 25-30 years if not controlled.
Shah stated, “Tell me whether this land belongs to tribals or Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators. Neither the JMM nor the Congress can save Jharkhand. Only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can.”
Shah further urged the public to elect a government committed to removing illegal immigrants rather than one that supports them.
Monday’s protest note from Dhaka called the remarks ‘highly deplorable’.
It urged the Indian government to advise political leaders to avoid making what they described as slanderous and unacceptable remarks. The Bangladesh foreign ministry expressed “serious reservations, a deep sense of hurt, and strong displeasure” over Shah’s statements. The ministry further noted that comments of this nature, especially from high-ranking officials, undermine the spirit of mutual respect.
