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"Why are they silent?": Abhishek Banerjee Slams Modi Government Over "Lack of Response" to Bangladesh Crisis
Trinamool Congress National General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, on Thursday strongly criticized the BJP-led central government for its alleged inaction regarding the atrocities faced by minorities in Bangladesh. He questioned the government's diplomatic response, accusing it of remaining silent in the face of the crisis. Aditionally, he alleged that the Border Security Force (BSF) was complicit in helping extremists infiltrate West Bengal, contributing to destabilization in the state.
Banerjee expressed his concerns over the lack of response from key government officials, saying, "Why are the prime minister, foreign minister, defence minister, and the union home minister silent on the situation in Bangladesh? The BJP government talks about valour and 'Parakram' but has not responded adequately to the atrocities on minorities in the neighbouring country." He urged the Centre to take a strong diplomatic stance and demand a response from Bangladesh.
The Diamond Harbour MP took a swipe at state BJP leaders, who have been critical of the TMC government, saying they should push their central leadership to speak out on the issue. "Why has there been no strong diplomatic response from the Modi government regarding the atrocities on Hindus and other communities in Bangladesh?" he asked.
He went on to question the government's silence, asking, "Have you ever heard of a country like Bangladesh daring to intimidate India before 2014? Is this how you are brightening India's name?" He added, "We are all aware of the kind of atrocities and anarchy going on across Bangladesh, and the silence of our central government is adding to the speculations."
The senior TMC leader also questioned the central government's handling of national security, claiming that the BSF was allowing extremists to cross into West Bengal. "To destabilise the state, the BSF is allowing infiltrators to cross into West Bengal. It is the state police who are actively arresting these terrorists," he said.
Abhishek Banerjee noted that several suspected extremists had been arrested recently, particularly following the unrest in Bangladesh after August 5. "Instead of appreciating the state police's efforts, the opposition criticizes them. It is the state police which has arrested those terrorists," he argued, before challenging the BJP to explain why the BSF, responsible for border security, was failing in its duties.
"What is the Border Security Force doing? So many people have been caught in Tripura and Assam. Is a Trinamool government there? Isn't it a double-engine government?" questioned Abhishek Banerjee. He slammed BJP leaders for their rhetoric about handling infiltrators, questioning their claims about "hanging people upside down and punishing them one by one."
The TMC leader also pointed out the central government's alleged silence regarding the persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. "The central government had promised shelter to Hindus through the CAA, but what is it doing now? Is their silence because there is no election at this moment?" he asked.
He reiterated that while the TMC and West Bengal government would align with the Centre's diplomatic decisions regarding the situation in Bangladesh, a stronger response was necessary. "The chaos in Bangladesh since August 5 has caused immense suffering to minorities. The Centre must act decisively instead of sitting idle," he asserted.
In addition, the Diamond Harbour MP also condemned the "biased judicial system" in Bangladesh, following the recent denial of bail to Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in a sedition case. "If the judiciary of a country becomes weak, the downfall of that nation is inevitable, and no one can prevent it," he stated. Banerjee called on people in West Bengal to remain calm and maintain harmony in the state. He urged them not to be swayed by those attempting to stir violence or disrupt law and order by exploiting the Bangladesh situation.
