Bangladesh has called for peace and stability amid mounting unrest in India over protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and backed by opposition parties.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam outlined the government’s position, saying Bangladesh wanted stability and peace across the region.
Asked whether protests spreading from New Delhi to other Indian states, alongside instability in Myanmar and Pakistan, were a cause for concern, she said: “As a democratic state, we hope India, the world’s other largest democracy, will listen to its people and move quickly to resolve the situation.”
The CJP emerged on social media in mid-May under activist Abhijeet Dipke after India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant allegedly referred to unemployed youths and activists as “cockroaches” during a court hearing.
The group’s name also mocks the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
The movement gained momentum after protests erupted on Jun 20 over alleged leaks of medical entrance and government job recruitment exam papers.
Protesters demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation for those affected.
The demonstrations intensified after police used force.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, 59, has joined the movement with an indefinite hunger strike and was taken to hospital on Saturday after falling ill.
The protests have since spread to Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, with support from the Congress party, civil society figures and Bollywood personalities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a fast-track court to investigate the exam paper leaks.