Summon envoy over Muslims' persecution, demands Jamaat

DHAKA: Days after BJP wins in Assam and West Bengal polls, allies of Jamaat-e-Islami - Bangladesh's largest Islamist political party - have alleged continuous persecution of Muslims across the border and that "anti-Bangladesh" forces would continue to "spread provocation, communalism and propaganda".

While Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish (BKM) on Sunday alleged repression of Muslims in India, particularly in the two states bordering Bangladesh, demanding Dhaka summon the Indian envoy, NCP convener and MP Nahid Islam recently said developments in India could have "implications" for Bangladesh. However, governing BNP has said Dhaka seeks an honest and neighbourly relationship with New Delhi founded on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Criticising Bangladeshi govt of "inaction", not summoning the Indian envoy, senior BKM functionary Anwar Hossain Razi said, "We call on the media to present the truth about what is happening in India. Govt is remaining silent. This is the time for our media to play an effective role." The Jamaat's remarks come as Dhaka and Delhi look at resetting ties.