Former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar has called for political and diplomatic restraint following a controversial protest in the capital where demonstrators used his name to chant slogans regarding India’s “Seven Sisters” states.
In a statement released on his official page today, Lutfozzaman Babar expressed concern over the rhetoric used during Wednesday’s “March to Indian High Commission” program organized by the “July Oikya” platform.
Slogans and Context
On December 17, several hundred protesters marched toward the Indian High Commission demanding the repatriation of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others currently in India. During the march, which was intercepted by police in Badda, Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad—a student leader from Dhaka University—led a provocative slogan: “Follow Babar’s path, liberate the Seven Sisters.”
The slogan alludes to Lutfozzaman Babar’s alleged past involvement in the 10-truck arms haul case, which was purportedly intended for separatist groups in Northeast India. The protesters argued that if India does not stop its “aggression” and return “killers” of the July uprising, Bangladesh should retaliate by supporting independence movements in India’s northeastern states.
Babar Calls for Responsibility
Responding to the use of his name in this context, Lutfozzaman Babar described the event as “unfortunate.” While acknowledging the patriotic fervor of the youth, he warned against crossing diplomatic boundaries.
“It is regrettable that some young people, driven by patriotic emotion but perhaps limited in their understanding of geopolitics and diplomatic etiquette, involved my name in an unwanted program,” Babar stated.
He further emphasized the need for stability as the nation prepares for upcoming elections. “Patriotism is commendable, but it should not violate political and diplomatic norms. I urge everyone to remain calm, restrained, and responsible in this sensitive national situation so that the peace, stability, and the upcoming election process are not jeopardized.”
Diplomatic Fallout
The protest and the specific “Seven Sisters” remarks have already sparked a diplomatic reaction. Following the demonstration, New Delhi reportedly summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India to lodge a formal protest regarding the security of its mission and the nature of the anti-India rhetoric.
The “July Oikya” leaders maintained during their rally that they would not bow down to external meddling and demanded an immediate end to border killings and the sheltering of fugitives.
