• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Bangladeshi journalists appointed to diplomatic roles in India.
  2. Appointments spark debate over past anti-India social media posts.
  3. Md Saidur Rahman and Umme Marufa are the appointees.

The appointment of two Bangladeshi journalists to key press positions at Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions in India has triggered a debate. Questions have been raised over whether officials who have expressed strong criticism of India previously on social media should represent Bangladesh in New Delhi and Kolkata. Also, the development comes at a time when India and Bangladesh are working to mend ties after political changes in Bangladesh.

Md Saidur Rahman Appointed Press Minister In Delhi

Bangladesh has appointed journalist Md Saidur Rahman as Minister (Press) at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi. A notification issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Public Administration stated, “Mr Md Saidur Rahman has been appointed as Minister (Press) in the Press Wing of the Bangladesh High Commission, New Delhi, India Mission for a period of one year from the date of joining…”

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Rahman is a senior journalist with the Bengali newspaper The Daily Ittefaq. His appointment has attracted attention because of his earlier social media posts, which critics in India have described as anti-India.

Umme Marufa Nominated for Kolkata Post

According to reports, Dhaka has also nominated journalist Umme Marufa as First Secretary (Press) at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata. Her appointment is yet to be formally announced. Marufa, who works with Bengali news channel News24, has also faced criticism over her previous social media activity. Reports claim that she has deleted several of her earlier posts after discussions about her nomination began.

Debate Over Past Social Media Posts

Their appointments have become a topic of discussion after critics pointed to earlier posts by both journalists that questioned India’s role in Bangladesh’s history and bilateral relations. They argue that although the posts are no longer publicly available, their previous views have raised concern.

Rahman’s Comments On 1971 War And India

One of the posts that drew attention was from December 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had shared a message on Bangladesh’s Victory Day. In that post, PM Modi remembered the contribution of Indian soldiers during the 1971 Liberation War. Responding to it, Rahman wrote on Facebook: “The country’s current Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared December 16, 1971 as India’s ‘historic Victory Day’ and gave a status on Facebook. As a Bangladeshi, I am declaring clearly that 1971 was our war of independence. Our pride, our honour."

He further claimed that Bangladesh later struggled to free itself from what he called India’s “colonial grip”. He added, “Breaking free from India’s grip, that complete independence was achieved on August 5, 2024." His remark pointed to the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power in August 2024.

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