A group of 145 prominent citizens from Bangladesh has issued a statement addressed to the people of India, calling for collective resistance against communalism in both nations. Titled "An Appeal to the People of India," the statement, sent to the media by Rafiquzzaman Farid, the Central General Secretary of the Socialist Students’ Front (Marxist), emphasizes the shared struggles of the people in both countries and urges unity in the face of divisive forces.

In their statement, the signatories highlighted the socio-economic challenges common to the people of India and Bangladesh. They asserted that communal tendencies and divisive politics harm societal harmony and detract from urgent public concerns such as education, healthcare, employment, and gender-based violence. They criticized both governments for leveraging communal rhetoric to secure electoral gains, often at the expense of minority communities.

The signatories expressed concern over the strained diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh, exacerbated by provocations from extremist factions. They clarified that their criticism of certain policies or incidents should not be seen as opposition to the Indian populace, who, like their Bangladeshi counterparts, are battling the rise of communalism and majoritarian politics.

The statement pointed out recent instances of misinformation in the Indian media, which they claimed misrepresented events in Bangladesh and fueled tensions. One example cited was a media report describing a bus incident on the Dhaka-Agartala route as a premeditated attack, which allegedly led to retaliatory actions against Bangladesh’s Assistant High Commission in Agartala. The Bangladeshi citizens called for truthful reporting to prevent further escalation and harm.

Referring to the recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh and the subsequent response by the Indian government, the statement expressed astonishment at the urgency displayed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs in defending the accused. It also mentioned the chaotic courtroom scene during Chinmoy’s hearing, which resulted in the killing of a lawyer, and commended the collective effort of Bangladeshi citizens in preventing further unrest.

The signatories noted the long-standing contributions of Bangladesh’s Hindu community to democratic and anti-communal struggles, including their active participation in the nation’s independence war and subsequent movements. They acknowledged the sacrifices made by individuals from all communities during the recent mass uprisings in Bangladesh.

The appeal concluded with a call for solidarity, urging Indian citizens to intensify their efforts against communalism and uphold the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives for democratic ideals. They emphasized that the fight against communal and majoritarian forces in both countries is part of a broader struggle against exploitation, repression, and corporate dominance.

The statement was signed by notable figures, including academics, writers, activists, and cultural personalities such as Anu Muhammad, Salimullah Khan, Fahmidul Haq, Mosharrafa Mishu, Amitabh Reza Chowdhury, Kamal Ahmed Simon, Jyotirmoy Barua, and others.