Dhaka, May 7 -- National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam has expressed concern that communalism and propaganda "could increase" in Bangladesh following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) victory in India's West Bengal state assembly election.

Speaking at the Chattogram Press Club on Thursday, Nahid said West Bengal was important for Bangladesh as a neighbouring region and that the election outcome had increased Bangladesh's "responsibilities".

He urged party activists to remain alert and ensure the country's independence, sovereignty and the security and civil rights of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians alike.

"We will show that Bangladesh is the safest country for minorities in South Asia," he said.

Several activists...