A senior youth leader of the Pakistani governing party has warned India of the possibility of military action in case the independence of Bangladesh is threatened.
Kamran Saeed Usmani, head of the youth wing of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif’s party, Pakistan Muslim League, issued a video message warning New Delhi. “If India attacks Bangladesh's autonomy, if anyone dares to cast an evil eye towards Bangladesh, then remember that the people of Pakistan, the Pakistani armed forces, and our missiles are not far away,” he warned.
Also Read | Indian envoy summoned by Bangladesh regarding security of diplomatic missions
Allegations of Indian interference in Bangladesh
Usmani pointed a finger at India’s intentions to destabilise the region, “Whether it is in the form of cutting off the waters of Bangladesh, whether it is in the form of sedition, whether it is in the form of making a Muslim fight against a Muslim.” He also stated that Pakistan would not allow any efforts to apply the “Akhand Bharat ideology” to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh seeks closer ties with Pakistan
Since assuming power, the new Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, has been giving emphasis to increased ties with Pakistan. Yunus emphasised that cooperation between the two nations, trading activities, and exchange between the people of the two countries are some key factors that hold great significance.
Domestic voices in Bangladesh raise concerns
All this was taking place in an environment where another threat was directed last week at India from none other than Hasnat Abdullah, one of the leaders of the newly established National Citizen Party (NCP). This threat was made during his rally address in Dhaka, where he warned India, “I want to say clearly to India that if you shelter forces who do not respect Bangladesh's sovereignty, potential, voting rights and human rights, Bangladesh will respond.” “If Bangladesh is destabilised, the fire of resistance will spread beyond borders. Since you are housing those who destabilise us, we will give refuge to the separatists of the seven sisters too," he further added.
Also Read | Muhammad Yunus takes responsibility of lynched Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das's family
He accused that “vultures”, whom he did not name, from across the border have been taking the initiative in an attempt to control the country.
India responds
The response from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India came in the form of refuting the allegations that have been presented by extreme groups. “Completely rejects the false narrative sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh. It is unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents”, it clarified.
