Union Home Minister Shah had criticized the JMM-led coalition government and accused it of encouraging infiltration from Bangladesh

Team Clarion

NEW DELHI – Dhaka did not take kindly to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remark about “rampant infiltration” from Bangladesh. She has lodged a “vigorous protest” against what she called “highly regrettable comments” made by Shah during his recent visit to poll-prone Jharkhand

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry sent a protest note to India’s High Commission in Dhaka, expressing that Shah’s comments had caused a “deep sense of hurt” in Bangladesh, media reports reaching here said on Tuesday.

While speaking in Sahibganj, Jharkhand on September 20, Shah said on inter-communal tensions in the region: “Slogans are being raised in Pakur district asking Hindus and Adivasis to leave Jharkhand.” Tell me heard this country Adivasis or Rohingya, invaders from Bangladesh?”

Shah criticized the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition government and accused it of encouraging infiltration from Bangladesh. He warned that if left unchecked, illegal immigrants could become a majority in the state within 25 to 30 years.

Shah explained: “Tell me whether this land belongs to Rohingya and Bangladeshi tribesmen or invaders. Neither the JMM nor the Congress can save Jharkhand. Only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can do that.”

Shah also urged the public to elect a government that advocates for the removal of illegal immigrants rather than one that supports them.

The protest note from Dhaka on Monday described the comments as “highly regrettable”.

She called on the Indian government to advise political leaders not to make defamatory and unacceptable remarks. Bangladesh’s foreign ministry expressed “significant reservations, a deep sense of hurt and strong displeasure” over Shah’s statements. The ministry also noted that comments of this nature, particularly from senior officials, undermine the spirit of mutual respect.