The Bengal CPM leadership on Sunday attributed the growing hostility between India and Bangladesh to a larger conspiracy orchestrated by communal and fundamentalist forces in both countries.
CPM state secretary Md Salim accused these forces of deliberately fostering mass hysteria under the guise of patriotism by intertwining religion with politics, describing it as the "cultivation of hatred".
Speaking on the sidelines of the party's 25th Nadia district conference at Rabindra Sanskriti Mancha in Nabadwip, Salim emphasised the need for both nations to address bilateral relations based on mutual interests.
He criticised BJP leaders, such as Suvendu Adhikari, for delivering divisive speeches advocating the suspension of trade at Petrapole, despite the central government’s push for stronger ties with Bangladesh.
Salim stated that certain forces in India were spreading venom against Bangladesh, much like the fundamentalist and communal elements spreading hatred against India in Bangladesh.
According to him, these groups were working in tandem as part of a larger conspiracy to create divisions among the common people, leading to "mass hysteria" in society.
Salim alleged that the BJP leadership in Bengal was actively fostering this hysteria.
He criticised Suvendu Adhikari for calling for a war-like stance, including threats to halt trade at Petrapole port. He claimed similar actions were being carried out on the other side of the border, with communal and fundamentalist forces unleashing atrocities on minorities and spreading hatred against India.
"This is actually a cultivation of hatred. This cannot be encouraged. Hatred spread like wildfire...", Salim said calling the party workers for a bigger role to play in such a situation.
Asked if Sheikh Hasina's political asylum in India had become a stumbling block to bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, Salim dismissed the notion.
He explained that India’s decision to grant political asylum to Sheikh Hasina was part of the country’s culture of offering refuge to those in need, a matter of foreign policy rather than individual dependency. Salim highlighted the importance of mutual interests and regional cooperation in fostering good bilateral relations while accusing certain BJP leaders of working against the central government’s stance.
"While our government has been advocating for a good relationship with Bangladesh, BJP leaders like Suvendu Adhikari literally called for a war, threatening to stop trade at Petrapole port," he added.
The CPM state secretary also criticised the Centre on the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder issue, accusing it of aligning with the Trinamool-led state government. He alleged a deliberate attempt by both sides to erase the demand for justice.
