THIS is with reference to the report “Dhaka wants to ‘move on from 1971’” (Dec 20). Now that the ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh are warming up, it is prudent to keep an eye on the India factor in terms of regional stability. There are several reports on the social media about many Bangladeshis having been denied visas by India.

Also, after the recent political change, Bangladesh is being subjected to various forms of covert and overt economic san-ctions by India. In addition, there seem to be plans under consideration to create unrest along Bangladesh’s borders with India on the pretext that Hindus are being abused in Bangladesh after the Bangladeshis finally freed themselves from the Indian stranglehold recently.

There are also rumours about India using Myanmar and Bangladesh as staging posts for future war. This situation should be of concern to the Islamic world, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) needs to support Bangladesh economically, politically and, if needed, militarily.

The support of Middle Eastern allies and of important Islamic countries, espe-cially Indonesia and Malaysia, will be needed to prevent a war-like atmosphere and protect Bangladesh from India.

The muted Muslim response to the ongoing genocide in Gaza has encouraged militant Hindus who are now busy trying to further harm Muslims in the region, apart from savagery against Indian Muslims. Providing support to Bangladesh against hostilities by India is the need of the hour.

M. Shaikh
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2024