Abhishek: India must use ‘language B’desh understands’
Times of India | 3 January 2025
12 Kolkata/Diamond Harbour: Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday urged India to speak to Bangladesh in a "language they understand", while criticising the bail plea rejection of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.
"It is sad. Govt of India should immediately take up the matter with interim govt of Bangladesh and should speak in the language they understand. What is happening in Bangladesh is a blatant violation of human rights. This can't go on forever. The UNHCR should also take it up sternly and strongly with Bangladesh govt," Banerjee said while inaugurating a free health camp initiative in Diamond Harbour.
The TMC general secretary added that following the "kind of atrocities and anarchy that is going across Bangladesh, Union govt's silence is only adding to the speculation".
"The PM has always boasted about masculinity and a 56-inch chest. We want to see Union govt issue a reply to Bangladesh in the language they understand. Our party has made our stand very clear from day one. Whatever step Union govt takes, TMC as a party will always support it for the safety and security of the nation," he said.
Taking a further dig at BJP govt, Banerjee asked why they were mute and soft-spoken about the oppression of Hindus in Bangladesh for so many weeks.
"It's startling to see the party that claims to be the protector of Hinduism being a silent spectator as incidents of oppression against Hindus are being reported in Bangladesh. Since our govt hasn't taken it up strictly, they are taking advantage of the situation and continuing the oppression," he said.
Banerjee also wondered whether BJP was silent since there was no election around the corner.
"Prior to Lok Sabha elections, BJP was vocal about NRC and CAA. Now, when Hindus are being tortured in Bangladesh, why are they silent? Anarchy is going on in Bangladesh since Aug 5. But did Centre even allot five minutes in these five months to think about the issue?" he asked.
"I don't want to comment on foreign policy but it pains me to see how our country has developed a bitter relation with all neighbours," Banerjee, who is also a member of the standing committee of external affairs, added.
Banerjee brought up how neither the foreign secretary, foreign affairs minister nor the PM issued any statement in Parliament after Vikram Misri's visit to Bangladesh.
"Before 2014, have we ever come across a situation when a country like Bangladesh would threaten our nation? If India was not there, they would still have remained East Pakistan. Those who don't accept India's contribution to their independence should be given a befitting reply in a language they understand," he said.