India has taken serious note of recurring violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and has conveyed its concerns to the interim government in Dhaka, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Parliament on Friday.
Responding to a question from BJP MP Arun Kumar Sagar in the Lok Sabha regarding attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh, Jaishankar, in a written reply, acknowledged reports of widespread violence targeting minorities, including incidents of arson, vandalism, and desecration of temples and religious sites. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Bangladesh government to ensure the protection of life and liberty for all its citizens, including minorities.
“The government has taken a serious note of these incidents and has shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh,” Jaishankar said. He highlighted reports of attacks on temples and puja mandaps during the recent Durga Puja celebrations, citing specific incidents such as an attack on a puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira.
The minister also added that following these attacks, the Bangladesh government had taken measures to strengthen security during the festival, deploying the Army and Border Guards to ensure peace. However, India continues to monitor the situation closely, with the High Commission of India in Dhaka remaining engaged on the issue.
Reiterating India’s position, Jaishankar said, “The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh.”
In a separate statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal echoed these concerns during a media briefing, underscoring India’s consistent engagement with Bangladesh over targeted violence against minorities. Jaiswal urged the interim government in Dhaka to take immediate steps to protect the rights and safety of minority communities.
“We are concerned about the surge in extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence, and provocation against minorities in Bangladesh. These developments cannot be dismissed as mere exaggerations,” Jaiswal said. “The interim government must take decisive action to protect minorities and uphold their interests.”
(Inputs from ANI)
