'Highly Deplorable': Bangladesh Lodges Protest Against Home Minister Amit Shah's 'Rampant Infiltration' In Jharkhand Remarks

A few days after Home Minister Amit Shah raised the issue of "rampant infiltration" from Bangladesh during the election campaign in Jharkhand, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry lodged a formal protest with the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Monday (23 September).

Shah had criticised the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition in Jharkhand and accused them of encouraging infiltration from Bangladesh and warned that illegal immigrants could form a majority in the state within 25-30 years if not controlled.

During a speech on Friday in Jharkhand, Shah stated, “Tell me whether this land belongs to tribals or Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators. Neither the JMM nor the Congress can save Jharkhand. Only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can.”

Shah further urged the public to elect a government committed to removing illegal immigrants rather than one that supports them. In response, the Bangladesh government issued a protest note calling the remarks 'highly deplorable'.

It urged the Indian government to advise political leaders to avoid making what they described as slanderous and unacceptable remarks. The Bangladesh foreign ministry conveyed its concerns to the Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Bangladesh Pawan Badhe.

It expressed "serious reservations, a deep sense of hurt, and strong displeasure" over Shah’s statements. The ministry further noted that comments of this nature, especially from high-ranking officials, undermine the spirit of mutual respect.