Speaking at the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Banerjee called for the forces to be deployed in Bangladesh in order to ensure security for people of every religion, caste and creed.

“The recent situation in Bangladesh is quite alarming. I would request the central government to urge the United Nation to arrange for peacekeeping forces… Security should be ensured for all irrespective of religion, caste and creed. Many relatives of the people of this state live in Bangladesh. Stop torturing them. We should show our solidarity from this platform (the assembly),” Banerjee said during her speech on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was recently introduced by the Centre.

Banerjee also demanded a statement on this issue in the Parliament, either from Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. “If the Prime Minister has any problem, the Foreign Affairs Minister can give a statement. Here, one political party is doing a rally every day, but they should know, this is a foreign affair. We can’t say anything on this issue,” Banerjee added.

However, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari criticised Banerjee’s demand, while alleging that she was “avoiding responsibility”.

“A few days ago, during the anti-quota movement in Bangladesh, when the Hasina government was carrying out repression, the Chief Minister said, “Those who will be tortured will get shelter here.” She did not say anything about foreign affairs then. Now if Hindus are affected, why are they putting the onus on the central government?” Adhikari questioned.

He further added, “Today, when Hindus are being persecuted all over the world, the anger of Hindus is increasing in the soil of Bengal also. Mamata Banerjee’s party is also growing discontent over this issue. In this situation, the Chief Minister is trying to put all the responsibility on the Centre only to avoid responsibility.”