In Kolkata, Suvendu Adhikari, a prominent figure within the West Bengal BJP, issued a stark warning of a potential trade embargo against Bangladesh in response to the ongoing assaults on the Hindu community there. During a rally aimed at voicing concerns over the safety of Hindus and the arrest of former ISKCON monk Chinmay Krishna Das, Adhikari highlighted the economic leverage India holds, citing exports like onions, potatoes, and machinery. He indicated a phased tightening of trade restrictions could ensue if immediate actions to protect the Hindu minority are not undertaken by Bangladesh.
The BJP leader's statements come against the backdrop of escalating tensions and reported violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, which have seen a marked increase following political shifts in the country. Adhikari's threats of an "indefinite export embargo" underscore the potential for economic measures as a tool for political pressure, reflecting on past instances where border closures impacted Bangladesh's access to essential commodities.
The rally also served as a platform for individuals like Sayan Ghosh to share experiences of hostility and violence faced in Bangladesh, further illustrating the pressing nature of the issue. The narrative of declining Hindu population figures in Bangladesh, from around 22 percent in 1971 to approximately 8 percent today, frames the discourse within a broader context of long-term socio-political challenges faced by the minority community.
Adhikari's remarks, positioning India as a significant economic power under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, and invoking historical victories, aim to assert a stance of resilience and possible retribution against perceived injustices towards the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.
Source: ThePrint