BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged countrymen to remain calm amid regional tensions caused by provocative anti-Bangladesh propaganda by a section of the Indian media.
Tarique Rahman made the call in a statement on his verified Facebook ID on Tuesday (December 3).
He made the statement in the wake of fears that the 'provocative and political statements' made by the Indian media surrounding Bangladesh after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country could disrupt regional stability.
In the statement, Tarique Rahman expressed concern over such incidents, alleging that Indian commentators are 'creating a smokescreen of misinformation' and are inciting anti-Bangladesh sentiments and damaging regional stability.
Cite the recent attack on the Bangladeshi consulate in Agartala as evidence of instability caused by confusion, and warned that such incidents pose a risk of deepening disputes between neighboring countries.
Tarique wrote, International partners must accept that no other country benefits from destabilizing Bangladesh, a country of nearly 18 crore people.
He stressed the importance of building people-to-people relations between Bangladesh and India, free from political parties and leaders.
Tarique Rahman urged international observers to understand the situation after Sheikh Hasina's departure and the political dynamics in Bangladesh since her flight to India.
He stressed that Bangladesh, despite facing challenges, is committed to the principles of religious harmony and territorial sovereignty.
He wrote, Bangladesh was and will remain a country of religious harmony and territorial sovereignty. The rights and freedoms of every citizen in this country, regardless of race, caste and religion, are protected.
The acting chairman of the BNP called on Bangladeshis not to fall into the trap of provocation and called for restraint. He wrote, I request my fellow Bangladeshis to show utmost restraint and not to fall into the trap of any kind of provocation.