Guwahati: Arup Kumar Dey, an executive member of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), has sparked outrage after allegedly identifying himself as a ‘Bangladeshi’ during a public gathering in Assam’s Fakiragram on March 25.
While addressing the crowd, Dey reportedly stated, “You are Bangladeshis, we are also Bangladeshis.” This remark has ignited widespread criticism across the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), with many condemning his statement.
Badrul Islam, president of the North East Minority Students’ Union (NEMSU), has denounced Dey’s comment as highly irresponsible. Islam accused Dey of wrongfully labeling the Muslim community as Bangladeshis and demanded his immediate arrest.
Islam questioned how someone who openly calls himself a Bangladeshi could hold an executive position in BTC and be associated with the BJP. He warned that if Dey does not issue a public apology within 24 hours, legal action will be taken against him.
The controversy has intensified political tensions in the region, with calls for Dey’s resignation and a probe into his political credentials.
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