A controversial Awami League MP who previously made offensive remarks about Durga Puja has now sought refuge in India. Bahauddin Bahar and his daughter, Tahseen Bahar Suchana, fled Bangladesh after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s removal. As protests began targeting ruling party politicians, Bahauddin crossed into India illegally about ten days ago. He is reportedly staying with a politician in Kolkata and paying ₹10,000 per day for his accommodation.
Tahseen entered India on Thursday night (29th August) via the Charanal border in the Burichong upazila of Comilla. She reportedly became active on Facebook the following day. On Saturday (31st August), she arrived in Kolkata after spending a day in Buxnagar. A trader with ties to an influential Awami League leader reportedly facilitated their illegal entry.
Reports suggest that Bahauddin Bahar and his daughter plan to seek asylum in London.
On 5th August, anti-government protesters reportedly attacked and set fire to Bahauddin Bahar’s residence in the Manoharpur Munsefbari area of Comilla city, Bangladesh. Videos shared on social media showed the mob storming and burning his house.
Bahauddin Bahar previously caused controversy on 4 October 2023 by derogatorily referring to Durga Puja as a ‘festival of alcohol’ (“Madjukto Puja”). He further claimed that reducing alcohol consumption would lead to fewer Puja pandals. He made similar remarks associating Durga Puja with alcohol on 12 October the previous year.
Rana Das Gupta, the General Secretary of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, confirmed this development. When Hindus organized a protest against the Durga Puja remarks, they were attacked by the Chhatra League and Jubo League members.
Bahar, who shamelessly insulted Hindu festivals like Durga Puja, now turns to Hindu-majority India for refuge, revealing his blatant hypocrisy. After spreading hatred and disrespect, he flees to the very land he once demeaned, showing a complete lack of principles. The Indian government must now decide how to handle a man who has illegally sought sanctuary here while holding such contempt for our culture and values.
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