Who is Nitai Rai Choudhary, a Hindu of Bangladesh, who became a minister in Rahman government? What is its meaning?

An important development has come to light in the politics of Bangladesh. Senior leader Nitai Rai Chaudhary, coming from the Hindu community, has got the responsibility of ministerial post in the Rahman government. At a time when minority representation in Bangladesh and India-Bangladesh relations are constantly being discussed, this appointment is being considered not just a political decision but also a big symbolic message.

Nitai Roy Chowdhury, who has been in active politics for almost seven decades, has been a senior leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and is considered close to the party leadership for a long time. Now many experts are looking at his entry in Rahman government from all three perspectives – balance, message and strategy. Know, what could be his political journey, role and possible impact for India as a minister?

Who is Nitai Roy Chowdhury?

Nitai Roy Chowdhury is a senior Hindu politician, lawyer and Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He has been elected MP from Magura-2 constituency and is considered one of the top advisor strategists of BNP.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Nitai Roy Chowdhury was born on 5 January 1949 in Magura district of Bangladesh. He is a lawyer by profession. He started politics from his student days. After some time he joined BNP. In the past, he has been the Minister of Army and Sports and Minister of State for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Has also worked as a senior leader and strategic advisor of the BNP Central Committee. He has been playing an active role in the politics of Bangladesh for many decades.

From where did Nitai reach Parliament after winning?

Nitai Roy Chowdhury won from Magura-2 seat with a huge vote. His opponent was defeated by a substantial margin and he emerged as an MP in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad of Bangladesh.

Why made him a minister?

Recent media reports were indicating that Tariq Rehman may give him a place in his cabinet. Same thing happened in Rahman led BNP government, senior leaders like Nitai Roy Chowdhury have been included in the cabinet or for higher responsibilities. It is a symbol of representation of the minority community in Bangladesh.

• He is a senior and trusted face in BNP. Represents the minority community i.e. Hindus. Has experience and ability to provide strategic advice.
• Has been giving steady support to the party leadership. For these reasons he has been appointed as minister or on higher posts.

What is its importance for India?

• It sends a friendly signal between India and Bangladesh as a representation of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, where about 8% of the population is Hindu.
• The support of a leader like Nitai on the sensitive foreign policy of the BNP government can positively impact the relationship, especially on border security, trade and civil issues.
• Their presence provides assurance of political security to the minorities, which can also be a positive signal for India during bilateral talks.
• Nitai Roy Chowdhury is an experienced, well-spoken orator, lawyer and senior BNP leader from Bangladesh, whose election victory and potential ministerial berth is significant for both the country’s politics and minority representation. This is a positive sign for India that cultural and political dialogue between the two countries can be strengthened.