Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, who heralded the Indian parallel cinema movement in the 1970s and 1980s with films such as “Ankur”, “Nishant” and “Manthan”, died on Monday, December 23, his daughter Pia said. Benegal was 90.
Shyam Benegal. Photo courtesy: x.com/shekharkapur
The filmmaker passed away at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital due to chronic kidney disease, Pia Benegal told PTI.
“He passed away at 6.38 pm at Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central. He had been suffering from chronic kidney disease for several years but it had gotten very bad. That’s the reason for his death,” she said.
Wockhardt Hospital sources said Benegal had been admitted in the ICU.
In his prolific career, Benegal made films on diverse issues, documentaries and television serials, including “Bharat Ek Khoj” and “Samvidhaan”. He had celebrated his 90th birthday just 10 days ago on December 14.
The director told PTI on the occasion that he had to frequently visit the hospital and was on dialysis.
Benegal is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal and daughter Pia.
His films include “Bhumika”, “Junoon”, “Mandi”, “Suraj Ka Satvaan Ghoda”, “Mammo” and “Sardari Begum”, most counted as classics in Hindi cinema.
The director’s most recent work was the 2023 biographical “Mujib: The Making of a Nation”.
Reactions
Following Benegal’s death, many renowned people, ranging from film industry insiders to politicians, took to social media to condole the loss.
He created ‘the new wave’ cinema. #shyambenegal will always be remembered as the man that changed the direction of Indian Cinema with films like Ankur, Manthan and countless others. He created stars out great actors like Shabama Azmi and Smita Patil. Farewell my friend and guide pic.twitter.com/5r3rkX48Vx
We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary filmmaker, Shyam Benegal, a towering figure in Indian cinema and a true pioneer of the parallel cinema movement. His tremendous contributions to the art form, marked by thought-provoking storytelling and a profound commitment to… pic.twitter.com/g4p7NBmTxf
Mourning the passing of #ShyamBenegal, a giant of India’s New Wave cinema who leaves a considerable body of cinematic accomplishment behind. My sisters and i knew him since our childhood, when he was an advertising professional who photographed them as the first “Amul Babies”.… pic.twitter.com/oKw8iIpJee
Deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary Shyam Benegal. His contributions to Indian cinema are immeasurable and his legacy will live on through his incredible body of work.🙏 pic.twitter.com/x6ZuT6lqoM
The world knew Shyam Benegal as an iconic film maker.. but rarely have I met a more empathetic person. Caring, helpful and wore his success so lightly. Part of a magical generation of Indians who were filled with the idealism of nation building : his path breaking cinema… pic.twitter.com/rkVm8iqkhP
Deeply saddened at the departure of Shri Shyam Benegal,one of the finest film makers and great intellectuals of our country. He discovered & nurtured some of the brightest film talents of India. His films, biographies and documentaries form part of India’s greatest cultural…
Bangladesh interim government undertaking process to bring back ex-PM Sheikh Hasina from India. Photo Courtesy: PIB
Bangladesh Home Affairs Adviser, Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, said a letter has been sent to India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the return of former PM Sheikh Hasina, who escaped to the neighbouring country amid widespread protest against her regime on August 5.
The adviser was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune: “A letter has already been sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The process is underway for extradition.”
On the method of her return, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said: “We have a prisoner exchange agreement with India. It will be carried out under that agreement.”
Ties between India and Bangladesh strained after the interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, came to power in August following the ouster of Hasina, the longest-serving PM of the Muslim-majority nation.
Hasina faced protests over a controversial job quota and soon it spiralled into a massive agitation against her regime. She had returned to power for another term after winning the general polls in January.
In a virtual address at an event in New York earlier this month, Hasina claimed that there were plans to assassinate her and her sister Sheikh Rehana, just like their father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the other family members, who were assassinated in 1975.
She made the claims during her first public address after taking shelter in India following her resignation in August.
Referring to the attack on her official residence in Dhaka on August 5, Hasina had said: “The armed protestors were directed towards Ganabhaban. If the security guards opened fire, many lives would have been lost. It was a matter of 25-30 minutes, and I was forced to leave. I told them [guards] not to fire no matter what happened.”
“Today, I am being accused of genocide. In reality, Yunus has been involved in genocide in a meticulously designed manner. The masterminds — the student coordinators and Yunus — are behind this genocide,” she said.
Donald Trump appoints Sriram Krishnan as AI advisor. Photo Courtesy: Sriram Krishnan X page
US President-elect Donald Trump, on Sunday, named Indian-origin entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
In a statement published on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Sriram Krishnan will serve as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.”
“Working closely with David Sacks, Sriram will focus on ensuring continued American leadership in A.I., and help shape and coordinate A.I. policy across Government, including working with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Sriram started his career at Microsoft as a founding member of Windows Azure,” he said.
Born in Chennai, Sriram Krishnan is an Indian-American Internet entrepreneur, venture capitalist, podcaster, and author.
He previously led product teams at Microsoft, X, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap.
According to reports, he worked with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk in 2022 to help rebuild Twitter (which is now known as X) after the Tesla chief acquired the platform.
He rose to prominence by co-hosting The Aarthi and Sriram Show podcast with his wife Aarthi Ramamurthy.
Following his appointment, Sriram Krishnan wrote on X: “I’m honored to be able to serve our country and ensure continued American leadership in AI working closely with @DavidSacks.”
A joint operation by Singapore Police Force, Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Health Sciences Authority (HSA), National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore Customs, Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA), led to the arrest of several individuals.
Police conducting anti-vice operation in the vicinity of Bukit Batok. Faces have been masked to keep identities hidden. Photo courtesy: www.police.gov.sg
As per an official news release from SPF, a total of 1,257 men and 616 women, aged between 15 and 85, are being investigated for various offences, following a month-long island-wide multi-agency enforcement blitz that was conducted from 16 November to 15 December 2024. These operations are part of SPF’s ongoing efforts to mitigate crime during the year end festivities.
It said more than 2,600 officers from all seven Police Land Divisions were deployed with over 1,180 operations conducted. Officers also conducted checks on more than 13,200 people, of which 610 were arrested.
“The enforcement operations were aimed to reinforce Police presence island-wide, by effectively targeting illegal and criminal activities,” it said.
Details of some of the operations
Between 25 and 30 November 2024, officers from Central Police Division conducted a series of joint enforcement operation involving officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Traffic Police (TP), CNB and SCDF. The operation targeted illicit activities at various massage establishments, public entertainment outlets, private residences and hotels located in the vicinity of Chinatown, Little India, Boat Quay and Bugis.
Cash seized as exhibit during anti-gambling operation in the vicinity of Yishun. Photo courtesy: www.police.gov.sg
A total of 54 men and 140 women, aged between 18 and 72, were arrested for various offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990, Gambling Control Act 2022, Women’s Charter 1961, Penal Code 1871, Misuse of Drugs Act 1973, Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958, Liquor Control Act 2015, and the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993. A total of five public entertainment outlets were found to have contravened various licensing conditions. During the operation, Police also raided a shophouse in Little India targeting vice activities and arrested seven men, aged between 23 and 61, under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990.
On 5 December 2024, officers from Jurong Police Division raided two residential units in an anti-vice operation in the vicinity of Bukit Batok and Choa Chu Kang. Four women, aged between 36 and 46, were arrested for offences under the Women’s Charter 1961. Substantial amounts of condoms, bottles of massage oil, as well as handwritten and records of earnings were seized for investigations.
Between 20 and 23 November 2024, officers from Tanglin Police Division conducted enforcement checks at multiple massage establishments, hotels and public entertainment outlets in the vicinity of Balestier Road, Thomson Road, Robertson Quay, Selegie Road, Orchard Road, Wilkie Road, Whampoa Drive and Beo Crescent.
Exhibits seized during anti-gambling operation in the vicinity of Yishun. Photo courtesy: www.police.gov.sg
A total of 25 women and three men, aged between 18 and 85, were arrested for offences under the Women’s Charter 1961, the Gambling Control Act 2022, and for working without a valid work pass under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990. A 38-year-old woman is also being investigated for offences under the Custom Act 1960 and Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993. Cash amounting to more than SGD 4,300, several mobile phones, gambling-related paraphernalia, seven e-vaporiser and four packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized as case exhibits.
Two massage establishments and one public entertainment outlet are also under investigation for breaches under the Massage Establishment Act 2017 and Public Entertainment Act 1958, respectively.
On 22 November 2024, officers from the Clementi Police Division led a joint enforcement operation with officers from Singapore Customs in the vicinity of Jalan Papan. Seventeen men, aged between 20 and 55, were issued composition sums by Singapore Customs for the possession of duty-unpaid cigarettes. A 38-year-old man was arrested for the sale of duty-unpaid cigarettes under the Customs Act 1960. Another 15 men, aged between 25 and 44, were issued composition fines by HSA for the possession of e-vaporisers and smokeless tobacco.
Anti-vice operation in the vicinity of Geylang. Photo courtesy: www.police.gov.sg
On 29 November 2024, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division conducted joint operations with officers from LTA in the vicinity of Punggol and Upper Serangoon Road. A 15-year-old teenager was arrested for possession of a scheduled weapon, an offence under the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.
LTA officers also detected offences under the Active Mobility Act 2017, including riding non-compliant Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and riding bicycles without mandatory handbrakes on shared path and public roads. Two PMDs and eight bicycles were impounded by LTA.
From 30 November to 12 December 2024, officers from Bedok Police Division led a joint enforcement operation with officers from the CID, CNB, HSA, ICA, LTA, SFA, and Singapore Customs. The operation aimed to clamp down on illegal activities in Geylang, including illegal gambling, vice activities, and illegal touting.
A total of 15 men and 22 women, aged between 22 and 66, are being investigated for various offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973, Gambling Control Act 2022, Women’s Charter Act 1961, Section 32 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 1906, Massage Establishments Act 2017, Tobacco Act 1993, and the Customs Act 1960. A separate joint enforcement operation was conducted with the Singapore Customs, HSA and NEA in the vicinity of Tanah Merah Coast Road.
Anti-vice operation in the vicinity of Balestier Road. Photo courtesy: www.police.gov.sg
Summonses under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993 and Customs Act 1960 for possession of smokeless tobacco, duty-unpaid cigarettes and possession of vaporiser devices were also issued.
On 14 December 2024, officers from Woodlands Police Division conducted an anti-gambling operation in the vicinity of Yishun Industrial Street 1. Five men and three women, aged between 44 and 70, were arrested for offences under the Gambling Control Act 2022. Cash amounting to over SGD 15,300, 12 computer terminals, and gambling-related paraphernalia were seized as case exhibits.
Police also continued our efforts to clamp down on drink driving. On 30 November 2024 and 13 December 2024, the Traffic Police conducted two anti-drink driving operations. A total of 48 vehicles were checked and six persons, aged between 28 to 63, failed the breathalyser tests and were arrested for the offence of drink driving under Section 67(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
Investigations against the 1,873 individuals are ongoing.
Director of Operations Department, Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) Gregory Tan, expressed his appreciation to all the agencies involved for their strong support and commended the officers for their professionalism and excellent teamwork during the enforcement blitz.
Director of Operations Department, Senior Assistant Commissioner Gregory Tan. Photo courtesy: www.police.gov.sg
He added, “The Police’s month-long anti-crime operation underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order. Through collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, we aim to send a clear message: criminal activities will be met with strong enforcement and all cases will be thoroughly investigated before we take the criminals to task.
“As we enter the festive season, we emphasise that celebration and safety can coexist. For instance, the risks of drink-driving can be easily avoided by choosing alternative transport options or using valet services. We call on the public to stay alert and report any suspicious or criminal activities promptly.
“Singapore’s safety and security are a testament to the strong partnership between law enforcement and the community. Your vigilance and support are crucial in our collective effort to deter and combat crime. Together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season for all,” Tan said.
Indian sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya flags off ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative in New Delhi. Photo Courtesy: PIB
Keeping continuity with the Fit India Cycling Drive launched earlier this week by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ initiative was flagged off this morning at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
Besides the Minister, the event saw presence of over 500 riders, ranging from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sports Authority of India campers and young gymnasts from the IG Stadium, senior officials and various cycling clubs in the national capital.
Sunday’s flag off ceremony also saw the presence of former WWE star Shanky Singh, revered for being a part of the tag team stable featuring former WWE champion Jinder Mahal.
Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Table Tennis player Mouma Das, meanwhile, flagged off the Sundays on Cycle event in Sports Authority of India National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) Kolkata.
Mentioning the wide impact of the Cycling Drive, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said, “The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative is being held simultaneously at over 1100+ locations in India. The launch of the cycling drive earlier this week has spread the awareness of cycling exponentially.”
“Cycling is the need today. The vision of Viksit Bharat needs a healthy individual, who in turn makes a healthy society and that ultimately results in a healthy nation. The benefits of cycling also uphold the message of the Fit India movement, launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2019,” the Sports Minister said.
The event in the national capital saw a lot of cyclists from the CRPF and ITBP, and they expressed happiness on being a part of the initiative that promotes fitness and environment protection both.
Anish Dayal Singh, IPS, DG CRPF, mentioned, “CRPF remains committed to maintaining peak physical fitness, as a fit Force only can serve our great nation best. Cycling is good for an individual’s health and the environment. We are excited to be a part of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign, spreading the message of fitness and sustainability nationwide through today’s event.”
Former WWE pro wrestler Shanky Singh, who is currently trying out in Indie wrestling circuits across the globe, said, “Wherever I will go internationally from now on, I shall promote cycling, offline as well as on social media.”
Singh said: “I got a different type of energy being at the Fit India Sundays on Cycle event. I want more people to come forward to join this unique initiative started by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Sports Minister.”
आज हमारे ITBP और CRPF के जवानों के साथ #SundaysOnCycle के पहले कार्यक्रम में भाग लिया।
प्रधानमंत्री श्री @NarendraModi जी के #FITIndia अभियान को आगे बढ़ाने में आज हमारे जवानों ने भी उत्साह से भाग लिया। मेरा सभी से आग्रह है की हर रविवार को आप भी साइकिलिंग करके इस मुहिम से जुड़े। pic.twitter.com/yYJUCqTZVp
BYCS India Foundation, a non-profit dedicated towards making India a cycling nation, also joined in. Dr. Bhairavi Joshi, CEO BYCS India Foundation, said, “BYCS India Foundation has supported the cycling initiative under the FIT India Movement by organizing local events independently and in collaboration with local chapters of SAI for Sundays on Cycle.”
“BYCS India Foundation believes that cycling is one of the simplest solutions to some of the world’s most complex urban challenges,” Joshi said.
“The Bicycle Mayors network in India will continue the cycling advocacy work through skill building and increased access to cycling in more than 50 cities across the country.”
The ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and MY Bharat,” he said.
Events are simultaneously held across Sports Authority of India regional centres, National centres of excellence (NCOEs) and the Khelo India centres (KICs) across the country.
Kuwait bestows Mubarak Al-Kabeer honour on visiting Indian PM Narendra Modi. Photo Courtesy: Randhir Jaiswal X page
Kuwait Amir on Sunday bestowed Mubarak Al-Kabeer honour on Indian PM Narendra Modi to appreciate his role in boosting the good ties between Kuwait and India.
The honour was bestowed on PM Modi by the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in a ceremony held at Bayan Palace, reported Indian news agency UNI.
It is the highest honour of the Gulf nation.
After Modi arrived at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait, Modi was accorded the Guard of Honour.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X: “PM @narendramodi arrives at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait to a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. Warmly received by HH Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah.”
I am honoured to be conferred the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah. I dedicate this honour to the people of India and to the strong friendship between India and Kuwait. pic.twitter.com/fRuWIt34Cx
“Extensive talks with HH the Amir, Crown Prince and PM of Kuwait lie ahead,” the X post said.
Indian PM Narendra Modi on Saturday reached Kuwait for his two-day trip to the Gulf nation.
Modi is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait.
Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait as a ‘Guest of Honour’.
The event provided an opportunity for an informal interaction of PM Modi with the leadership of Kuwait, an official statement said.
Kuwait is hosting the biennial Arabian Gulf Cup with participation from eight countries, including GCC nations, Iraq, and Yemen.
This football tournament is one of the most prominent sporting events in the region. Kuwait has won the tournament maximum times among the participating countries.
The attacker (lying on the ground) was arrested from the spot. Photo courtesy: Screengrab from YouTube.
At least seven Indian nationals were injured after a man ploughed his car through a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg which left at least five people dead on Friday.
Three of the injured Indians have been discharged from the hospital, sources told Indian news agency UNI.
The Indian Embassy is in touch with all those injured in the attack, the sources said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident and said in a statement: “We condemn the horrific and senseless attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Several precious lives have been lost and many have been injured.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. Our Mission is in contact with Indians who are injured, as well as their families, and rendering all possible assistance,” the statement said.
The Indian Embassy in Germany confirmed that some Indian nationals were injured in the incident.
However, it did not specify the exact number of people injured in the car attack.
@eoiberlin is maintaining close contact with Indians who have been injured in unfortunate attack at Christmas market in Magdeburg. @eoiberlin bleibt in engem Kontakt mit Indern, die bei dem unglücklichen Anschlag auf den Weihnachtsmarkt in Magdeburg verletzt wurden. https://t.co/HOkauXYC2a
In an X post, the Embassy said: “@eoiberlin is maintaining close contact with Indians who have been injured in unfortunate attack at Christmas market in Magdeburg.”
Meanwhile, the key suspect in the car attack incident that left the European country shocked ahead of Christmas, has been remanded into custody.
The 50-year-old was brought before a judge on Saturday evening following the incident on Friday when a black BMW car ploughed through the crowded market injuring more than 200 people, reported BBC.
The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
As per local media reports, the suspect has been identified as Saudi citizen Taleb al-Abdulmohsen.
He reportedly arrived in Germany in 2006 and worked in the nation as a doctor.
At least four women and a boy died in the attack.
The suspected attacker has no known links to Islamist extremism, reported BBC.
A source close to the Saudi government told the BBC it sent four official notifications known as “Notes Verbal” to German authorities, warning them about what they said were “the very extreme views” held by al-Abdulmohsen.
The source, who asked not to be named, said these notifications were ignored.
PM Modi attends Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony in Kuwait. Photo courtesy: Official X page of Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait as a ‘Guest of Honour’.
He was invited to the event by the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The event provided an opportunity for an informal interaction of PM Modi with the leadership of Kuwait, an official statement said.
Attended the opening ceremony of the Arabian Gulf Cup. This grand sporting event celebrates the spirit of football in the region. I thank His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, for inviting me to witness this event. pic.twitter.com/irYOi3SEvh
Kuwait is hosting the biennial Arabian Gulf Cup with participation from eight countries, including GCC nations, Iraq, and Yemen.
This football tournament is one of the most prominent sporting events in the region. Kuwait has won the tournament maximum times among the participating countries.
PM Modi, who is on a two-day trip to the Gulf nation, conveyed his best wishes to all the participating countries.
Indian PM Narendra Modi to meet ex-IFS officer Mangal Sain Handa during Kuwait trip. Photo Courtesy: Mangal Sain Handa X page
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet 101-year-old former Indian Foreign Service officer Mangal Sain Handa during his two-day visit to Kuwait.
Following a request from his granddaughter Shreya Juneja, Modi agreed to meet the former Indian official.
Juneja wrote on X: “Humble request to Hon’ble PM @narendramodi to meet my 101-year-old Nanaji, ex-IFS officer, in Kuwait during tmrw’s interaction with the Indian Diaspora. Nana @MangalSainHanda is a great admirer of yours. Details have been emailed to your office.”
Following her tweet, Modi wrote: “Absolutely! I look forward to meeting @MangalSainHanda Ji in Kuwait today.”
As per his X profile, Handa served in various nations which include Iraq, Kuwait, China, Argentina, the UK, and Cambodia.
Prime Minister Modi, on Saturday, left India for a visit to Kuwait where he is scheduled to meet the Indian diaspora.
This is the first visit to Kuwait by any Indian Prime Minister in over four decades.
Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was the last Indian premier to visit the Middle Eastern country in 1981.
Modi is visiting Kuwait at the invitation of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait.
“I look forward to my meetings with His Highness the Amir, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. It would be an opportunity to chalk out a roadmap for a futuristic partnership for the benefit of our people and the region,” said the Prime Minister in his departure statement.
“I eagerly look forward to meeting the Indian diaspora in Kuwait who have immensely contributed to strengthening of bonds of friendship between the two nations,” he added.
India lodges strong protest with Bangladesh over Mahfuz Alam’s social media post. Photo Courtesy: Randhir Jaiswal X page
The Indian government has lodged a stern protest with Bangladesh over a now-deleted social media post by a leader and asked ‘all concerned’ to remain mindful while making such remarks.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “We have actually strongly registered our protest on this issue. We understand that the post that you referred to has been taken down.”
He was referring to the remark by Bangladeshi leader Mahfuj Alam where in a social media post he showed Indian territories like West Bengal, Assam and Tripura as parts of Bangladesh.
Alam is considered a close aide of Bangladesh interim government chief Muhammad Yunus.
According to reports, he was one of the key organisers of the mass protests in Bangladesh this year which led to the downfall of the former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government.
Jaiswal said: “We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments.”
“While India has repeatedly signalled interest in fostering relations with the people and the interim government of Bangladesh, such comments underline the need for responsibility in public articulation,” he said.
“And once again to repeat that we have strongly protested against this with the Bangladesh government,” he said.
Bangladesh Watch X page shared the Facebook post of Alam, an adviser in the interim government, where he said India maintains a “contain” and “ghettoize” policy towards Bangladesh.
Mahfuj Alam, special aide to Dr. #Yunus and Advisor of Interim Govt made a Facebook post this morning in which he talked of annexing some of India’s eastern and northeastern territories (see the map shared by him).
In his provocative post, he said that to be truly victorious, independent, and liberated, Bangladesh must “come out of its cage” and expand geographically.
Relationship between India and Bangladesh reached a new low after Sheikh Hasina was ousted on August 5 and Muhammad Yunus took charge of the interim government on August 8.
India had protested against the rising atrocities against Hindus in the Muslim-majority South Asian nation.
The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in November further escalated tension between the two neighbouring countries.
