Bangladesh Expresses Concern Over RSS Activities Near Border-20260525122040-3081

DHAKA, Bangladesh — The Bangladeshi government has formally expressed concern over what it describes as provocative activities by the Indian right-wing organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) along the shared border, according to diplomatic sources in Dhaka. The issue was raised during a routine bilateral meeting between foreign ministry officials from both countries, held last week in New Delhi.

Bangladeshi officials presented a dossier detailing alleged cross-border incidents involving RSS-affiliated groups, including unauthorized construction of structures near zero-line areas and inflammatory speeches targeting minority communities in Bangladesh. Dhaka argues that such actions violate longstanding agreements on border management and could undermine regional stability.

“We have documented several cases where RSS-linked individuals have attempted to influence local populations in border villages, spreading divisive rhetoric,” said a senior official from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions. “Our position is clear: any activity that threatens communal harmony or sovereignty will be addressed through diplomatic channels.”

The RSS, founded in 1925, is a Hindu nationalist volunteer organization that has been at the center of political debates in India. While it operates primarily within India, its cultural and ideological outreach has occasionally extended into neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, where it is viewed with suspicion by many due to historical tensions.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded by stating that it takes all concerns seriously but emphasized that the RSS is a domestic organization with no official role in foreign policy. “India remains committed to maintaining peace and tranquility along the border,” said a spokesperson. “We will examine the specific allegations and address them through established mechanisms.”

The exchange comes amid a broader context of rising religious polarization in South Asia. Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of over 170 million people, has a significant Hindu minority of about 8%. While communal violence has been relatively contained in recent years, human rights groups have reported sporadic attacks on temples and minority communities, often linked to political rhetoric.

In Bangladesh, the ruling Awami League government has faced criticism from opposition parties for not taking a stronger stance against what they perceive as Indian interference. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and other groups have called for a parliamentary debate on the RSS issue, arguing that Dhaka must protect its sovereignty.

“The RSS is not just an Indian organization; its ideology has implications for the entire region,” said Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, a political analyst at the University of Dhaka. “Bangladesh must balance its diplomatic relationship with India while addressing domestic concerns about cross-border extremism.”

International observers have noted that the RSS’s influence has grown in India since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014, with some of its members holding key government positions. This has led to increased scrutiny of its activities abroad, particularly in countries with large Hindu diaspora communities.

The Bangladeshi government has not publicly disclosed the full contents of its dossier, but sources indicate it includes evidence of RSS-backed groups distributing literature and organizing events in border districts such as Chapainawabganj and Kushtia. These activities, Dhaka argues, are intended to foster a sense of cultural nationalism that could alienate minority groups.

Meanwhile, the RSS has denied any wrongdoing, stating that its work is purely cultural and educational. In a statement released from its headquarters in Nagpur, the organization said, “The RSS operates within the framework of Indian law and respects the sovereignty of all nations. Any allegations of cross-border interference are baseless and are part of a smear campaign.”

As the two countries continue their diplomatic engagement, experts warn that the issue could strain bilateral relations if not handled carefully. Bangladesh and India share close ties, with cooperation on trade, security, and energy, but historical mistrust remains a factor.

“This is a test for both governments,” said Dr. Siddiqa. “If they can resolve this through dialogue, it will set a positive precedent. If not, we could see a rise in nationalist rhetoric on both sides, which would benefit no one.”

The next round of border consultations is scheduled for next month, where the RSS issue is expected to be a key agenda item.