The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
On Bangladesh
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses its deep concern over the recent developments in Bangladesh. It urges the interim government of Bangladesh to act immediately against attacks on media outlets and minorities, and to protect the rights of the people. The two most revered cultural institutions Chhayanot and Udichi have come under dastardly attack.
It appears that religious fundamentalist forces are attempting to expand their influence in Bangladesh by polarising society along communal lines and attacking minorities and media outlets not favourable towards them. The growth of religious fundamentalist forces will have a debilitating impact not only on Bangladesh but on the entire region. Communal forces on both sides of the border may seek to exploit the situation to further incite hatred by feeding off each other. Maintaining social harmony and democracy is the need of the hour.
The CPI(M) is confident that the people of Bangladesh will remain united during these testing times and uphold the values of the 1971 liberation struggle. The interim government should take all necessary steps to ensure that communal forces are reined in and that perpetrators of violence are brought to justice. It should also ensure that elections are held in a free and fair manner, allowing the people to express their will without fear.