RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Urges Bangladeshi Hindus to ‘Fight,’ Sparking Concern Over Cross-Border Interference

India’s right-wing organization Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has continued what analysts describe as interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs and communal provocation, according to observers. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has publicly encouraged Hindus in Bangladesh to unite and “fight,” remarks made during a centenary celebration of the RSS in Mumbai on Sunday.

Bhagwat stated, “There are nearly 12.5 million Hindus in Bangladesh. If they decide to fight there, all Hindus around the world will stand with them.” Analysts have raised concerns that urging a minority community in a sovereign neighboring country to take such action from abroad constitutes a serious violation of international norms.

Observers note that since the July uprising against the Sheikh Hasina government, the RSS and certain Indian media outlets have been accused of deliberately spreading communal propaganda targeting Bangladesh. In his speech, Bhagwat described alleged violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and called on the global Hindu community to participate in their “fight,” implying cross-border influence.

Bhagwat also made remarks concerning India’s internal demographics, highlighting the growth of the Muslim population and alleged illegal immigration, framing it as part of a broader Hindutva agenda. He said, “Past governments did not act on population change, but the current government (BJP) is controlling it.”

Regarding RSS strategy in Muslim-majority areas, Bhagwat explained that the organization avoids direct confrontation while pursuing its agenda subtly. Analysts, however, suggest that his call for “fight” could incite communal unrest in South Asia and destabilize Bangladesh’s current political and social environment.

Founded in 1925, the RSS has long aimed to transform India into a Hindu nation and continues to exert significant ideological influence over the ruling BJP government.