Bangladesh Expresses Concern Over RSS Activities in Border Regions-20260525060836-9276

DHAKA, Bangladesh — The government of Bangladesh has formally raised concerns with Indian authorities regarding the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) along the shared border, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The move comes amid heightened vigilance by Bangladeshi security forces following reports of cross-border movements and alleged inflammatory rhetoric by the Hindu nationalist organization.

In a diplomatic note delivered to the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested a detailed assessment of RSS activities in the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, which border Bangladesh. The note cited “credible intelligence” suggesting that RSS cadres have been attempting to influence local populations in Bangladesh through covert means, including the distribution of pamphlets and the use of social media platforms.

“Bangladesh respects the internal affairs of all nations, but when activities of any foreign entity threaten our sovereignty or communal harmony, we must act,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Home Affairs, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We have asked India to ensure that its territory is not used for destabilizing activities against Bangladesh.”

The RSS, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization with millions of members in India, has long been a subject of scrutiny in Bangladesh. Critics accuse the group of promoting a Hindu-centric agenda that marginalizes minority communities, including Muslims, who constitute about 90 percent of Bangladesh’s population. Although the RSS operates legally in India, its influence in Bangladesh remains a sensitive issue due to historical tensions and the country’s secular constitution.

In recent weeks, Bangladeshi media outlets have reported an uptick in RSS-linked events near the border, including rallies and training camps. Local authorities in the border district of Chapainawabganj, for instance, detained three Indian nationals last month suspected of distributing RSS literature. The individuals were later handed over to Indian border guards after questioning.

“The RSS has no official presence in Bangladesh, but we are seeing attempts to create a network of sympathizers,” said Brigadier General Mohammad Shafiuddin, a retired military analyst based in Dhaka. “This is a matter of national security, and the government is right to take it seriously.”

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs, in a brief statement, acknowledged receipt of Bangladesh’s concerns and said it was “looking into the matter.” The statement added that India remains committed to maintaining peace and stability along the border and would address any “misunderstandings” through diplomatic channels.

Analysts note that the issue comes at a time when bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India are generally strong, with cooperation in trade, energy, and security. However, the RSS question has periodically strained ties, particularly when incidents of communal violence in India spill over into Bangladeshi discourse. In 2021, Dhaka summoned the Indian envoy after a series of anti-Muslim remarks by RSS leaders sparked protests in Bangladesh.

“The RSS is a domestic Indian organization, but its actions have regional implications,” said Dr. Sharmila Bose, a professor of South Asian studies at the University of Dhaka. “Bangladesh must balance its diplomatic relationship with India while safeguarding its own social fabric.”

Meanwhile, human rights groups in Bangladesh have urged the government to remain vigilant. “Any external attempt to polarize our society must be resisted,” said Ruhul Kabir, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Human Rights Commission. “We support the government’s proactive stance.”

The situation is being closely watched by international observers, as any escalation could affect the broader South Asian security landscape. For now, both sides have expressed a desire for dialogue, with a joint border security meeting scheduled for next month. As the RSS continues to expand its influence in India, Bangladesh’s concerns are unlikely to fade, underscoring the delicate interplay between national security and regional diplomacy.