Passport power play: Scripted interview on ‘persecution’

Allegations have surfaced that passports are being confiscated at the India-Bangladesh border and travellers are coerced into giving false interviews about alleged Hindu persecution in Bangladesh.

Reports suggest that individuals are being threatened with the loss of their passports unless they comply with the demands of certain Indian media reporters.

Propaganda claims spark outrage

The controversy came to light after a recent interview aired on ABP Ananda TV, where Shuvo Karmakar, a Faridpur resident, claimed that Hindus in Bangladesh face severe persecution. In that interview, Shuvo alleged that Hindus were being tortured, their properties seized, and temples burned. His remarks, which went viral on social media, sparked widespread condemnation.

Shuvo is the son of Sunil Karmakar, a jeweller in Faridpur. When approached for clarification, Shuvo’s parents strongly denied the allegations made in his interview.

Family refutes claims

Shuvo’s mother, Namita Karmakar, expressed disbelief and frustration over her son’s statements, saying, “My son has been like this since childhood—stubborn and not listening to anyone. We’ve never faced persecution here. My daughters and relatives have also never experienced any such issues. Those Indian journalists did this intentionally. We feel safe in Bangladesh.”

His father, Sunil Karmakar, echoed her sentiments: “I was shocked to hear what he said. We have never been subjected to any harassment in this country. When I called Shuvo, he told me that Indian journalists confiscated his passport at Petrapole border and coerced him into making those statements, threatening not to return his passport unless he complied.”

Another case of fabrication

In a separate instance, another interview by The Wall, an Indian media outlet, featured Amiya Sarkar, a former Vice President of the Faridpur District Chhatra League. Sarkar claimed he had fled to Kolkata after facing persecution in Bangladesh.

Records reveal that Sarkar was removed from his position in the Chhatra League in 2022. His name had previously been associated with alleged criminal activities, including attacks during the tenure of Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain and involvement in a case related to an attack on the home of former Faridpur District Awami League President Subal Chandra Saha.