New Delhi – India has strongly condemned the recent incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, expressing deep concern over the "unremitting hostility" faced by these communities. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken a firm stance, asserting that such incidents cannot be dismissed as mere exaggerations or routine disturbances.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal conveyed New Delhi's concern regarding the continuous hostility towards minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists. He specifically addressed the recent killings, including the lynching of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh, emphasizing the need for perpetrators to be brought to justice. Jaiswal stated that India has consistently raised concerns over attacks on minorities and rejected what he called a "false narrative" being pushed by Bangladesh regarding these incidents.
The condemnation follows two separate lynching incidents targeting men from minority communities in Bangladesh this month. One incident involved the death of Amrit Mondal, also known as Samrat, in Rajbari district, who was allegedly beaten to death by local residents following accusations of extortion. Police reports indicate that Mondal was suspected of leading a criminal gang involved in illegal activities. The other incident involved Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, who was killed in Mymensingh district over unverified blasphemy allegations.
India has taken note of the interim government's response, led by Muhammad Yunus, which condemned the violence and promised strict action. However, the MEA emphasized that the protection of minorities remains a fundamental responsibility of the Bangladeshi state. They have urged the interim government to ensure thorough investigations, swift justice, and concrete steps to prevent further violence against vulnerable communities.
The MEA has cited independent sources documenting over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities during the tenure of Bangladesh's interim government. These incidents include killings, arson, vandalism of homes and places of worship, and alleged land grabbing. India maintains that these reports are credible and cannot be dismissed.
The current situation has raised concerns about India-Bangladesh relations, especially after the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. Protests have erupted in New Delhi, with Hindu nationalist groups denouncing the violence and calling for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh. Despite these tensions, India has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety of foreign missions within its territory, in accordance with the Vienna Convention.
India has reiterated that the unrelenting hostility toward minorities poses a serious challenge to social stability and regional harmony and has vowed to continue raising these concerns through diplomatic channels. The MEA maintains that the safety and rights of minorities remain a matter of serious importance in its engagement with Dhaka.
