Bangladesh’s current interim government, increasingly labeled as an illegal administration backed by extremist Islamists and militants, has sparked global outrage. The controversy deepened with revelations about Mahfuj Alam, an aide to Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus, whose connections to extremist groups like Hizb-ut-Tahrir have resurfaced through his social media activities and past affiliations.Mahfuz is the most influential advisor whom Yunus introduced as the mastermind in UNGA event in presence of Clinton. Indian media earlier mentioned him as extremist
In a shocking development, Mahfuj Alam recently posted a speech on social media, denouncing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Bangladesh’s independence, while also calling for the annexation of parts of India, including West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam, to expand Bangladesh’s territory. Such rhetoric has raised significant concerns about regional stability in South Asia.
Despite the gravity of these developments, the media in Bangladesh, silenced under the interim government’s crackdown on press freedom, has remained mute on the issue. However, renowned journalist and Washington correspondent Dastagir Jahangir brought these critical issues to the forefront by confronting the U.S. State Department during a recent briefing.
Jahangir’s Bold Question to the State Department
Jahangir directly asked State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller:
“Recently, an influential advisor to Dr. Yunus, who is portrayed on U.S. soil as the mastermind behind Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s downfall, made a controversial social media post advocating for the expansion of Bangladesh’s territory by annexing parts of India, including West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. Such remarks could pose a risk to regional stability in South Asia. Given the individual’s close association with Dr. Yunus, does the U.S. Government view this statement with concern, and would it consider advising against such rhetoric to support peace and stability in the region?”
Miller’s Surprising Silence
In response, Miller admitted he was unaware of the comments and stated:
“I will admit I wasn’t aware of that comment. I don’t know anything about it other than you reading it to me now, and I’m going to follow a general rule that when I’ve not seen a comment, seen it in its proper context, I’m going to decline to comment on it here.”
Miller’s inability—or refusal—to address Jahangir’s question struck a significant chord. The silence was telling, sparking speculation over whether the U.S. government was unprepared to address the issue or intentionally avoiding the matter due to its potential geopolitical implications.
A Broader Geopolitical Context
Global whispers suggest the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the installation of the current regime may have been orchestrated through a CIA-backed operation. Against this backdrop, Jahangir’s questions struck at the heart of growing concerns about the legitimacy of Bangladesh’s interim government and its ties to extremist ideologies. His efforts have exposed underlying fears of how these developments could destabilize not only Bangladesh but also the broader South Asian region.
Dastagir Jahangir: A Defender of Truth
By pressing the U.S. State Department on this sensitive issue, Jahangir has highlighted the troubling realities of Bangladesh’s current political climate. In doing so, he has shown immense courage, breaking the silence maintained by Bangladesh’s suppressed press and holding powerful actors accountable on the global stage. Miller’s inability to answer underscored the explosive nature of the topic, positioning Jahangir as a pivotal figure in exposing the deeper truths behind Bangladesh’s precarious political state.
Jahangir’s persistent questioning has not only drawn attention to the alarming actions of Mahfuj Alam but also raised questions about international involvement in Bangladesh’s current political instability. His role as an outspoken advocate for press freedom and democracy serves as a beacon of hope for those silenced in Bangladesh.