People of Bangladesh want to know India’s stance on democracy, BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy has said.

“India is a democratic country. Those who are here, including RAW agency, convey message to New Delhi, try to understand the languages of people’s eyes and minds. Though India is a democratic country but democracy is absent in its neighbour Bangladesh. I am saying it clearly that people of the country put blame on India because of this reason,” Gayeshwar told a human chain programme held in front of the party’s Nayapaltan office in Dhaka on Monday.

Nari O Shishu Odhikar Forum arranged the programme protesting the alleged attack on Chhatra Dal leader Nadia Nusrat by supporters of Chhatra League and Juba League on June 14.

He further said, “Ask your Indian government and politicians that will they make friendship only with Sheikh Hasina and Awami League or with 18 crore people of Bangladesh? If India makes friendship with 18 crore people then this will be a true friendship. It will be dignified and sustainable. Otherwise, there would be no benefit from being a friend of a one person.”

The BNP leader said, “You must change your political culture towards India-Bangladesh relationship. Convey the right information, and a right decision ought to be taken. People of Bangladesh want to know whether you will take clear stance on democracy. We do not want you to ensure our victory in the election.”

Gayeshwar said, “A state will have to friendship with another state. But this government does not believe in friendship. Foreign Minister already said that their relationship with the neighbouring country is like husband and wife. There are difference in relationship of husband and wife and friendship.”

He said, “We want friendship with neighbouring country India. We need friendship but not quarrel. We do not desire such type of friendship where there is a master or husband and wife relationship.”

Presided over by BNP standing committee member Selima Rahman, the programme was addressed, among others, by senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Abdus Salam, Abdus Salam Azad and Mir Newaz Ali Newaz.