Bangladeshi radical Islamist leader calls on Mamata Banerjee to 'free West Bengal from Modi rule' in viral video
Dhaka: Bangladeshi Islamic radical Jashimuddin Rahmani Hafi, released by the interim government following Awami League chief and Prime Minsiter Sheikh Hasina's departure, has called on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to "liberate Bengal from Modi's rule and declare its independence."
In a viral video, Rahmani, the leader of the al-Qaida-affiliated terrorist group Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), also threatened to "break-up" India and "raise Islamist flags in Delhi."
Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), which the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) is affiliated with, is a banned organisation in India.
A Dhaka-based fact-checker confirmed to India Today Digital that the video of Jashimuddin, likely filmed in a hospital ward, is authentic.
The video was probably recorded in early September, as Rahmani mentioned "one month of the revolution" referring to Sheikh Hasina's ouster.
The "revolution" refers to the protests in Bangladesh that ended on August 5, following Sheikh Hasina's escape from the country.
Jashimuddin Rahmani, who had been jailed for five years for the murder of a blogger, was released on parole in August, shortly after a military-backed interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took power.
Islamic extremist Jashimuddin Rahmani, known for his extremist views and ties to Pakistan-based terrorist groups, called for West Bengal’s secession while expressing support for separatist movements across India.
In a provocative speech, Rahmani urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to "free Bengal from Modi's rule and declare independence."
He further warned India against taking any aggressive steps towards Bangladesh, stating, "Bangladesh is not like Sikkim or Bhutan. It is a country of 18 crore Muslims," hinting that any provocation could lead to a strategic response.
Rahmani also threatened to involve China in cutting off India's northeastern states by blocking the Siliguri corridor, a narrow 20-kilometer stretch, often referred to as the "chicken's neck," which connects the northeastern region to the rest of India.
He said, "If you take a step towards Bangladesh, we will ask China to close the chicken's neck. We will urge the Seven Sisters [northeastern states] to join the freedom movement."
Rahmani's message to Mamata Banerjee comes at a critical time, as her government faces public outrage following the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Rahmani, whose group Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) the Sheikh Hasina government banned, also mentioned the Khalistani movement in Punjab and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, discussing efforts to "disintegrate" India.
In the 30-minute-long video, terror-monger Rahmani warned India that Bangladesh's "Tawhid population", a reference to Islamic unity, would rise up if Bangladesh was challenged by India.
"It is a country of 18 crore Muslims. This is our sacred land. If you dare to look this way, your eyes will be taken out... Take a step forward, and your legs will be broken... Reach out, and your hands will be cut off...," Jashimuddin Rahmani threatened in the video.
"The day is not far when your country too will be broken, and the flags of the Tawhid will flutter in Delhi," the terrorist added.
The ABT chief, who has openly supported al-Qaida and its branch in the Indian subcontinent (AQIS), sought assistance from Pakistan and Afghanistan to "liberate Kashmir" and advocated for Khalistan.
"Tell Kashmir to get ready for freedom. Pakistan and Afghanistan together will help Kashmir gain independence. We will work for the freedom of Kashmir," he said.
Jashimuddin Rahmani, who was jailed under Bangladesh's anti-terror laws during Sheikh Hasina's rule, also warned India against associating with the former Bangladesh PM.
"Stay away from Hasina, she herself is rotten, and she will spoil you too. I will tell India not to dance around with Hasina," he added in the video.
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