India Protests Bangladesh Leader's Controversial Map Post

India has lodged a strong protest with Bangladesh over a now-deleted social media post by Mahfuz Alam, a senior leader in Bangladesh's interim government. The post featured a map of Bangladesh that controversially included Indian territories such as Bengal, Assam, and Tripura.

"Be mindful...": India registers 'strong protest' with Bangladesh over post by Muhammad Yunus's aide

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India Protests Bangladesh Leader's Controversial Map Post

Mahfuz Alam, serving as an advisor in the interim government and a close aide to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, is a prominent figure in the student-led movement that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sternly criticized the incident, urging "all concerned" to exercise caution in public statements.

Tensions Rise Amid Political Turmoil in Bangladesh

"We have registered our strong protest on this issue with the Bangladesh side. We understand that the post being referred to has reportedly been taken down," MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said during a briefing. He added that such actions call for greater responsibility in public discourse, especially given India's consistent efforts to foster amicable relations with Bangladesh.

The political scenario in Bangladesh remains turbulent following Sheikh Hasina's ouster earlier this year. The student-led movement, initiated to reform the country's job quota system, spiraled into weeks of violent protests, claiming over 600 lives. Hasina fled to India, and Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government.

Yunus, in a Victory Day address, announced that Bangladesh's next general elections might take place between late 2025 and early 2026, contingent on achieving political consensus and implementing necessary reforms. However, the interim period has been marred by unrest, with attacks on Hindus and other minorities drawing international criticism.

The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON priest, on sedition charges has further inflamed tensions, sparking global protests. India’s protest over Alam’s map post adds to the complexities, underscoring the need for responsible leadership amidst the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh.