Committed to minority safety and cordial relations with India: Bangladesh lone Hindu minister
Times of India
by KALYAN DASFebruary 20, 2026
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Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Bangladesh's lone Hindu minister and vice-chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has emphasized his government's commitment to safeguarding minority rights and fostering cordial relations with India. In an exclusive interview, Chowdhury, who serves as the culture minister under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, highlighted the importance of unity and inclusion in Bangladesh's diverse society. He stressed that fundamentalism will not be tolerated and that efforts will focus on repairing damaged institutions and cultural values.
Chowdhury, elected from Magura-2 constituency with over 1.4 lakh votes, criticized the previous government led by Sheikh Hasina for mismanaging key areas such as education and culture. He accused the Awami League of manipulating exam systems to inflate passing percentages, undermining meritocracy, and eroding traditional cultural values. Under their tenure, he claimed, "obscene dance and music" were encouraged while genuine cultural heritage was sidelined.
The minister also addressed concerns about minority safety, particularly for Hindus, noting that their significant voter turnout in the recent elections reflected a shift in political awareness. He explained that Hindus no longer view themselves as mere vote banks but as integral contributors to Bangladesh's identity. The BNP had actively engaged with Hindu voters during the campaign, assuring them of equal rights and security.
Chowdhury emphasized the growing political significance of Hindu communities in Bangladesh, citing their pivotal role in at least 80 parliamentary constituencies. He acknowledged that many Hindus had previously supported the Awami League but felt disillusioned under Hasina's leadership. The BNP, he said, worked to alleviate these fears and secure their trust.
On ties with India, Chowdhury expressed a desire for mutually respectful and collaborative relations, focusing on joint efforts to ensure internal security and stability. He underscore
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026