Former military officials call for foreign policy based on ‘equality’ on India issue

A retired army officer says Indian leaders Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh should know that today’s Bangladesh Army is not the same as in 1972

Amid political tensions and the recent attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, retired armed forces personnel have urged the government to adopt a foreign policy based on equality, distancing itself from what they described as a “submissive stance” towards India.

The call was made during a rally organised by the National Unity and Solidarity Council outside the RAOWA Club in Dhaka’s Mohakhali on Saturday.

Retired Col Mohammad Ahsanullah, the convener of the council, said: “We demand a foreign policy based on equality — no more submissive strategies. Such policies will no longer be tolerated under any circumstances.”

Addressing the people of India, the veteran freedom fighter said: “We have no hostility with you; you are our friends. However, we cannot allow the dominance of Hindu supremacism cloaked in saffron to take root in our country.”

Protests have erupted in several Indian cities, including those bordering Bangladesh, in response to the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu priest and spokesman of the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote.

Last Monday, one such demonstration in Agartala led to an attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, where the national flag was reportedly lowered.

Police and law-enforcing agencies later dispersed the protesters.

India called the event “unfortunate,” while Bangladesh’s foreign ministry described it as “premeditated” and expressed outrage.

Dhaka urged the Indian government to ensure the safety of all diplomatic missions and staff.

Earlier, protests outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata saw the burning of the national flag and an effigy of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

Amid heightened tensions, Col Ahsanullah voiced his concerns at the Mohakhali rally, saying: “This is Bangladesh, the land of Hazrat Shahjalal, Hazrat Shah Makhdum, Atish Dipankar, Sri Chaitanya, Anukul Thakur, and Loknath Brahmachari. For centuries, we have coexisted here in harmony.

“However, we are deeply concerned by the recent actions of India’s Hindu leadership following the flight of Bangladesh’s ‘Lady Pharaoh.’ These developments reveal their aggressive intentions.”

Referring to recent attacks on Bangladeshi diplomatic missions, Ahsanullah said: “The attack on our missions in Agartala and Kolkata, alongside the disrespect shown to our national flag, is a direct threat to our sovereignty and independence. Some Indian media and political leaders are also consistently spewing hostility towards Bangladesh.”

He highlighted that under the Vienna Convention, attacks on embassies equate to assaults on a nation’s sovereignty.

He said, “In such critical times when our sovereignty is threatened and our flag is trampled, the armed forces cannot remain silent.”

He noted that despite retiring, the armed forces members remain committed to the oath they took to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty.

Calling on students and workers to take a leading role in this struggle, he said: “Let me assure you, millions of trained soldiers and thousands of skilled officers in the armed forces have always stood with the people, and we will continue to do so. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the country.

He called for unity against Indian aggression, urging the nation to set aside political divisions and come together to defend Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

“Internal and international conspiracies against Bangladesh will not succeed. Together with the people, we will thwart any such threats.”

Highlighting the role played by ex-military officers during the Aug 5 political crisis, retired Lt Col Manish Dewan said: “Today, we have gathered again to continue our struggle against Indian dominance.”

Addressing India’s ruling government, he said, “Modiji, Amitji, and Rajnathji, the Bangladesh Army you saw in 1972 is no longer there. We are now prepared to face any enemy. Don’t try to intimidate us. We are not just the armed forces; we are 170 million people, and we will stand together to stop you at the border.”

During the event, retired Col Lutful Haque urged the government to disclose all national agreements with India.

He also called for the reconsideration of Indian nationals in Bangladesh, suggesting that those whose presence is unnecessary should be sent back.

He demanded that Indian media outlets, which have been critical of the government, be banned in Bangladesh.