Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has downplayed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's call for the deployment of UN peacekeepers in Bangladesh.
While responding to questions after briefing diplomats at the State Guest House Padma on Monday, Touhid described her remarks as typical of her style, saying he did not understand the reasoning behind the statement.
He said he was personally familiar with Mamata Banerjee and had visited her home but believed that her comments were not the right move.
Touhid, a former foreign secretary, also served at the Bangladesh mission in Kolkata during his diplomatic career.
"I see Mamata Banerjee's statement as typical of her. I do not understand why she made this statement. Personally, I am familiar with her, and I have visited her home. I do not think this is the right step for her. Politicians often make statements from a political perspective. I believe this will probably help her in West Bengal politics, but that is my view," he said.
The briefing was aimed at addressing and countering propaganda spread by Indian media about minority issues in Bangladesh.
During the briefing, the adviser specifically discussed the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson for the Sanatani Jagaran Jote.
Talking about the Hindu community, he said: "We felt that there is a possibility of misunderstandings, and there is an opportunity to spread misinformation. Especially the media, though I am not naming any country's media, has tried to push the narrative towards negative perspectives as much as possible.
"Therefore, we believe that diplomats, the representatives who are here, need an explanation so that they can understand the actual situation. They have certain mechanisms, but we have clarified our position. Almost everyone is here.”
He continued: "We have said that communal harmony is an integral part of our society. The government is determined to maintain it. No one will be victimized because of their religious identity, and we will ensure that. The government has shown significant success in this regard over the past four months. Although there was potential for much greater chaos, we managed to control the situation. Festivals like Durga Puja were peaceful. It is not as if no incidents occurred – there were one or two minor incidents, but these happen every year."
When asked which country's media he was referring to regarding the spread of misinformation, he responded: "I am very clear about this. Primarily, it is the Indian media. However, other media outlets have also propagated the views of the Indian media."
Regarding whether he wanted to send a strong message to the Indian government or politicians, he said: "The message we want to convey is that this government will not tolerate any form of communal activity. Whether it is Hindus or Muslims, we will treat everyone equally. This is the message we want to convey to everyone."
"The law will take its course. If anyone attempts to create disorder, they will be dealt with firmly. This message has been conveyed to everyone. If there is any official reaction, it will be addressed officially. The rest I have stated in a general manner," Touhid added.
He further mentioned: "In today's briefing, I did not specifically talk about India. I spoke about the media. Representatives from the Indian High Commission were present at the meeting."
When asked what he had briefed diplomats on Chinmoy Krishna Das, he said: "I mentioned Chinmoy Brahmachari’s case in the briefing. I explained the circumstances surrounding his arrest. I also spoke about the disorder created after the court denied him bail. They have the right to freedom of expression, and that is why they were able to protest. We have been able to convey our position to them, and they will certainly inform their country about it."
He added: "We should not forget that a global campaign is ongoing. Not everyone is participating, but this campaign is being driven by a particular group. They are trying to make an impact everywhere. There is no doubt about that. We also have to accept that their reach is greater than ours, and we have to counter them."
Regarding attempts by Indian protesters to cross into Bangladesh at the border, the adviser said: "I view this as a provocation. There are people trying to provoke us, and we can see that. We will continue to consider it a provocation as long as they are unable to cross the border. The BSF (Border Security Force) was able to stop them. Protests can happen, as their country’s laws allow it, but crossing the border means violating the law, and they will be dealt with."
When asked whether the Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) scheduled for this month would take place, he said: "... I believe it will happen. Both parties will see to it."
