Guwahati, Jan 7: Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora on January 7 voiced deep concern over the deteriorating political and security situation in neighbouring Bangladesh, particularly citing a spate of attacks on the Hindu community that he described as “extremely bad.” Speaking to reporters in Golaghat, the senior minister said the developments across the border were alarming and required serious attention.
Bora, who also serves as the president of the Asom Gana Parishad, noted that violence and persecution targeting Hindus in Bangladesh was not a recent phenomenon but had persisted for years. However, he stressed that the continuation and apparent escalation of such incidents must be unequivocally condemned. According to him, while border management has improved over time and cases of infiltration have declined, the situation remains sensitive. He said the Border Security Force and Assam Police are maintaining heightened vigilance to prevent any spillover effects.
Warning of broader implications, Bora said instability in Bangladesh could pose a direct threat to Assam’s indigenous communities as well as to India’s territorial integrity. He urged the Government of India to take firm and decisive steps, while also acknowledging concerns over the possible presence of extremist or “jihadi” elements. He added that state police agencies are closely monitoring the situation to address any emerging security challenges.
His remarks come amid reports of rising communal violence in Bangladesh in the run-up to the country’s 13th National Parliamentary Election. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has reported at least 51 incidents of communal violence in December alone, including multiple murders, cases of arson and looting, alleged land and property seizures, assaults, and incidents of arrest and torture on what it termed false allegations. The organisation said the violence has continued into January, with fresh reports of killings, robberies, attacks on women, and intimidation of minority families in different parts of the country.
The Council and other minority bodies have expressed grave concern that the prevailing atmosphere of fear could prevent minority voters from exercising their democratic rights freely during the elections. They have called upon the Bangladesh government and the Election Commission to take immediate and effective measures to curb the violence and ensure the safety and security of vulnerable communities.
