Mamata Banerjee urges Central government to address Bangladesh human rights issues

Seeking intervention from the Central government on the Bangladesh issue, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged the Centre to take up the matter with the United Nations to deploy the Peace Keeping Force which can restore the situation in Bangladesh.

Condemning the torture on Hindus in the neigbouring country, Banerjee said she is ready to give refuge to Bangladeshis, who are tortured and have relatives in west Bengal (with valid passport and who have relatives on this side), if Centre gives permission.

While speaking on the floor of the House, Banerjee said the Centre is silent on the Bangladesh matter for the last ten days. She sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's statements in Parliament during the ongoing winter session.


"Anyone has the right to his/ her religion, be it Sikh, Christian or Hindus. What is happening in Bangladesh, I will not intervene in the matter. It is not in my jurisdiction. But there are people from Bengal, who have relatives and friends on that side of the border. If the Centre permits, people who are tortured in Bangladesh, can come to Bengal and we are ready to share our food with them," Banerjee said.

"We all agree people from any religion, caste and creed have the right to their religion. We critcize the torture on people of any religion in Bangladesh. We love all religions and people of all communities. We have the same language, culture and all other similarities with Bangladesh. It is not a crime to speak in Bengali. We pray for their well being but we appeal from the House for intervention from the External Affairs Ministry. The PM should intervene on the issue," she iterated.

"If this kind of incident happens, we want our people to come back to India. We want to help these people. It is not my jurisdiction but it is the Central government's jurisdiction," Banerjee added.

BJP has called a blockade at Petrapole border to stop goods vehicle to Bangladesh, which will be led by Leader of Opposition in state assembly Suvendu Adhikari.