Guwahati, August 24 — A disturbing incident unfolded during Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visit to Karimganj, as tensions escalated at the India-Bangladesh border. Bangladeshi nationals stationed at the Zakiganj immigration post reportedly used loudspeakers to broadcast provocative slogans against India.
The slogans, directed at Indian citizens, included statements such as, “Those who have their homes in Bangladesh should leave India immediately” and “Boycott Indian goods.” These actions have heightened concerns over the growing strain in India-Bangladesh relations, particularly in the wake of the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh following the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
This incident comes on the heels of an ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration. On August 20, Assam Police arrested Ali Hussain, a broker accused of facilitating the illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals into India. Hussain was apprehended in Hajirhat village, South Salmara district, on charges of smuggling individuals through riverine areas in exchange for money. He is also accused of providing shelter to infiltrators and aiding them in crossing into India.
Hussain’s arrest followed the detention of a Bangladeshi woman in Dhubri on August 19, who was subsequently handed over to Bangladeshi authorities. The woman revealed that she and a large group had entered India with the help of brokers, including Hussain, and had paid him 2,500 Bangladeshi Taka for his services.
The incident at the border and the arrest of individuals involved in illegal immigration have underscored the delicate nature of India-Bangladesh relations, which have been further strained by the recent political changes in Dhaka. Authorities on both sides are on high alert as tensions continue to simmer in the border regions.
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