India has formally expressed strong objections to Dhaka regarding ‘contentious’ remarks made by Mahfuj Alam, an adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government.

"We’ve conveyed our strong protest on this matter to the Bangladeshi authorities. We understand that the post in question has reportedly been removed," stated RandhirJaiswal, spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, on Friday, reports India Today.

Jaiswalemphasised the importance of caution in public statements, saying, "We would like to remind all parties to exercise mindfulness in their public comments."

He further added, "While India has consistently expressed a desire to strengthen ties with the people and the interim government of Bangladesh, such remarks underscore the need for responsibility in public discourse.

Ties between the two countries have been tense since Sheikh Hasina's ouster and subsequent escape to India. India has objected to incidents of violence against minorities in the neighbouring country, especially Hindus.
The ties were further exacerbated after a Hindu monk, Chinmoy Krishna Das, was arrested for allegedly insulting the Bangladeshi flag during a protest against the government led by Yunus

On Dec 16, Mahfuj posted a map on Facebook that included Bangladesh alongside Indian states, referring to them as part of an undivided Bengal.