BNP's long march to border: Ruhul Rizvi rejects surrender to Delhi, intensifies anti-India rhetoric

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has initiated a long march from Dhaka to the India-Bangladesh border in Akhaura. The march, which started earlier today, involves three key wings of the BNP: the youth, student, and volunteer organizations. The march route will pass through Narayanganj and Narsingdi, before reaching Akhaura by evening. It aims to protest against the growing political influence of India in Bangladesh’s affairs, although the BNP’s main leadership is not officially involved in the march.

BNP leader Ruhul Rizvi addressed the participants of the march, asserting, “We fought for our independence with blood. We will not surrender to Delhi.” This remark reflects the BNP's firm stance on rejecting what it views as India's political and diplomatic interference. The march also heads towards the Agartala border, which has drawn additional attention to the sensitive border region between India and Bangladesh. The march has become a focal point for nationalist sentiments within the country, with protesters voicing strong opposition to India's role in Bangladesh’s domestic matters.

The long march follows a history of inflammatory statements by certain Bangladeshi political figures directed at India. Past rhetoric has included threats to capture Indian territories such as Kolkata, and claims about taking control of regions like Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. These statements, along with the current march, have contributed to heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries. Despite these political activities, India has refrained from making any direct provocative remarks and has repeatedly emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Bangladesh’s minority communities.