India Against Democracy in Neighboring Countries

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday accused India of preventing democratic governance in its neighboring countries, citing its hegemonic approach. “While India touts its own democracy, it undermines the sovereignty of Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, imposing its will on them,” Rizvi said during the inauguration of a BNP-led march toward Agartala from Nayapaltan. He emphasized that the people of Bangladesh fought for independence from Pakistan, not to bow to Delhi’s influence.

Rizvi warned that if India laid claim to Chattogram, Bangladesh might claim Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha in return. "We won’t back down if they try to occupy Chattogram," he asserted. The BNP leader also criticized India's support for Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, referring to her as the “bloodthirsty Lady Pharaoh” over her 16 years in power.

He accused India’s ruling party of fostering communal division, citing global criticisms of its policies. Rizvi claimed that India failed to understand the strength and spirit of Bangladesh’s people, highlighting growing concerns about Indian interference in regional affairs.

The event was marked by a large motorcade from Nayapaltan, with several thousand participants, including activists from Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Swechchasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal, marching toward Agartala. The demonstration aims to protest India’s aggression, the attack on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, and what they claim is India's role in spreading false narratives and inciting terrorism against Bangladesh. The march will conclude at the Akhaura Indian border, where further protests are planned.