Bangladesh: Nine NTPC officials return to India amid attacks on Hindus

Security fears hit India-Bangladesh project

Amid continuing attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, nine senior Indian officials deputed by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to the Rampal Thermal Power Plant in Bagerhat have abruptly left the project site, according to reports.

The officials, working at the Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company Limited (BIFPCL)-run facility, departed on Saturday without seeking prior permission or informing plant authorities. Their absence was noticed during routine breakfast checks, after which it was confirmed that they had crossed into India via the Bhomra land port.

India has already designated Bangladesh as a non-family posting.

Indian intelligence sources attributed the development to mounting security concerns around the Rampal project. “These are sustained anti-Rampal campaigns supported by NGO networks previously active against other India-backed regional infrastructure projects,” an intelligence source said. “It is clear that a coordinated narrative is created against India than purely local environmental concern.”

The source added that intelligence inputs suggested that any escalation of unrest in Bangladesh could have disrupted operations at Rampal. “Indian government doesn’t want any risk with its citizens or workers on deputation. Rampal was under threat from foreign agencies also, especially from rival powers,” the source said.

The Rampal power project has long faced opposition within Bangladesh. Environmental activists, civil society groups and citizens have protested the 1,320 MW coal-fired plant’s proximity to the Sundarbans mangrove forest, warning of ecological damage. Groups such as the National Committee on Protection of Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports have argued that pollution, coal spills and land displacement pose risks to the region’s fragile ecosystem.

The withdrawal of Indian officials comes amid a broader deterioration in Bangladesh’s internal security situation. On Friday night, a 25-year-old Hindu man, Chanchal Bhowmik, was burned to death in Narsingdi while sleeping in a garage. CCTV footage has reportedly raised suspicions of foul play.

Bangladesh is facing heightened political and communal tensions as it moves towards national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026. With the Awami League banned and reports of rising violence, the safety of religious minorities has drawn international attention.

Human rights organisations and government agencies have reported a sharp increase in targeted attacks against minorities since the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus assumed power in August 2024.

The instability has also prompted strong reactions from Bangladesh’s exiled leadership. In her first address to a gathering in India since arriving following violent protests in August 2024, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina launched a blistering attack on Yunus, accusing the interim administration of presiding over lawlessness and insecurity.

(With agency inputs)