West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her sorrow over the unfolding events but asserted that her government would not comment or intervene, deferring entirely to the Centre’s policies.
Addressing the Assembly on Thursday, Banerjee emphasised that external affairs remain the prerogative of the central government.
“Bangladesh is a different country. The Government of India will look into it. It does not come under our jurisdiction. We are not supposed to talk about it or interfere. While we feel sorry inside, we follow the policies set by the Centre,” she remarked.
The Chief Minister revealed that she had discussed the matter with representatives of ISKCON but refrained from elaborating further.
Later, speaking to journalists at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Banerjee reiterated her stance, highlighting that while Bengal shares historical and cultural ties with Bangladesh, the state government has no authority over matters concerning international relations.
“Bangladesh is a separate country, and we are saddened by the deaths and ongoing torture of people there. Students were also killed during protests, and the repercussions are still felt,” she said.
Banerjee underscored her government’s principle of opposing persecution of any community.
“We do not support any form of torture on Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, or Christians. This is our principle. We feel sorry for the incidents in Bangladesh over the past year. The Indian government can take up this matter and settle it through dialogue,” CM Banerjee said.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo reiterated her party’s commitment to supporting the Centre’s external policies. “Our role is very limited because we are two separate nations.
The Indian government can engage with its Bangladeshi counterpart and take appropriate action. Regarding external affairs, TMC's stance is to support the government, regardless of who is in power,” she added.
Banerjee, who had just returned from attending Hemant Soren’s swearing-in ceremony as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister in Ranchi, also referred to the long-standing Teesta water-sharing agreement.
She clarified that her government had not been involved in related negotiations.
She further expressed goodwill towards Bangladesh, praising the shared cultural and linguistic bonds between the two regions.
“We love Bangladesh, and I hope they love India, especially Bengal. We speak the same language, dress similarly, and share a similar culture and literature. Despite political differences, we do not want religious issues to impact individuals,” she said.
Stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence among religions, Banerjee said, “Mandir, Masjid, Gurudwara, and Churches must coexist. Religion is a personal matter, but festivals belong to everyone. We are for peace and development. We must ensure that people can practise their religion without facing trouble.”
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