Violence in Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a leader of the radical Inquilab Mancha, drew strong reactions from political parties in West Bengal on Friday (December 19, 2025), with the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) voicing concerns over the developments in the neighbouring country and urging the electorate to ensure that “West Bengal does not become like Bangladesh”.
State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said that “fundamentalists are behind the turn of events” in the neighbouring country, adding, “The Hindus are being selectively targeted during the violence.”
“To ensure that West Bengal does not become like Bangladesh and to safeguard the future of our next generation, people must come forward,” the BJP MP said, adding that the situation in West Bengal is alarming and mirrors conditions that prevailed in 1946 (before Independence, when Kolkata and adjoining areas witnessed communal riots).
The State BJP president said that radicalism is a challenge not only for Bangladesh but for the entire world. “Since the 1980s, fundamentalist forces have been spreading their base in Bangladesh. This has crossed all proportions. Even free-thinking and liberal-minded individuals are coming under attack, as seen last night. The entire world is facing the brunt of radicalism,” Mr. Bhattacharya said.
Sharif Osman Hadi, an emerging leader and candidate in the general elections scheduled for February 12, 2026, died at a hospital in Singapore after battling for his life for six days. He was shot outside a mosque in Dhaka earlier this month.
Since August 2024, when former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to flee the country, the West Bengal unit of the BJP has been highlighting alleged violence and attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh and urging the electorate to support the party to ensure that West Bengal does not become like Bangladesh.
Since Thursday (December 18) night, several BJP leaders from West Bengal, including the party’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya, have been highlighting the violence in Bangladesh and comparing it with the situation in West Bengal.
“This is a warning. This is exactly how societies unravel when extremism is appeased, and lawlessness is normalised. It is also why the trajectory of West Bengal under Mamata Banerjee is deeply worrying. Years of political patronage, erosion of institutions, and selective silence have pushed Bengal onto a dangerous path,” Mr. Malviya posted on social media.
Reacting sharply to Mr. Malviya’s post on X, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh said, “This post of @amitmalviya is dangerous. He is comparing the situation of Bangladesh with West Bengal. This is not only an insult to our State, but also this is a clear provocation”.
Mr. Ghosh demanded that the police should book this person and take appropriate legal steps urgently. “The situation in Bangladesh is serious, as reported. As it is an international matter, we are not making any comment now. Our leadership is keeping an eye on the developments for national interest and we support the stand taken by the Govt of India,” Mr. Ghosh said.
