Recent tensions between India and Bangladesh have surfaced, with India asserting that the Bangladesh government has failed its minority populations and is now deflecting blame. This accusation follows claims from Dhaka that India is fueling unrest within Bangladesh, specifically in the Khagrachhari district.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refuted these allegations, describing them as "false and baseless". An MEA spokesperson stated that the interim government in Bangladesh is unable to maintain law and order and is resorting to blaming external factors. The spokesperson urged the Bangladeshi government to conduct thorough investigations into the actions of local extremists who are perpetrating violence, arson, and land grabs against minority communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
These statements are in response to claims made by Bangladesh's Home Affairs Adviser, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who alleged that "certain quarters" were attempting to ignite communal tensions. This occurred amidst reports of deadly clashes in the Khagrachhari district between tribal groups and the Bengali community, triggered by the alleged gang rape of a tribal schoolgirl.
The MEA's spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, expressed concern over the surge of extremist rhetoric and increasing violence against minorities in Bangladesh, stating that these developments cannot be dismissed as mere media exaggerations. He reiterated India's call for Bangladesh to take all necessary steps to protect its minority communities.
Tensions between the two nations have been growing since the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hasina's removal followed months of student protests, and she subsequently took refuge in India. Since then, India has been critical of the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of failing to prevent the oppression of minorities.
The situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts remains a focal point of concern. Reports indicate that at least three people were killed and dozens injured in recent clashes. Homes and businesses were also set ablaze during the violence.
Accusations of violence against minorities in Bangladesh have prompted mass protests and even an attack on a Bangladeshi consulate in India. Bangladesh has, in turn, accused India of "double standards" in its approach to minority rights, alleging an "industrial scale misinformation campaign" by Indian media.
The interim government of Bangladesh has maintained that it is committed to protecting the rights of all its citizens, regardless of religious affiliation. However, these assurances have been met with skepticism from both India and international human rights organizations.
Suhas Chakma, director of the Rights and Risks Analysis Group, addressed the UN Human Rights Council, highlighting the deteriorating human rights record in Bangladesh. He cited statistics from the past year, including mob lynching deaths, attacks on journalists, and violent incidents against minorities.
Amnesty International has also urged the Bangladeshi authorities to conduct thorough investigations into crimes against Hindu, Ahmadi, and other minority communities. The organization has called on the interim government to ensure the rights to equality, non-discrimination, and bodily integrity for all.
Despite these concerns, Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has dismissed reports of anti-Hindu violence as "fake news," accusing India of spreading misinformation. He has insisted that incidents described as religious persecution are, in fact, ordinary disputes.
These conflicting narratives and accusations highlight the complex and strained relationship between India and Bangladesh, particularly concerning the treatment of minority communities within Bangladesh. The international community continues to monitor the situation, with many calling for greater protection and accountability to ensure the safety and rights of all citizens in Bangladesh.
