The MEA strongly condemned the growing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, saying that such attacks on minorities could not be dismissed as “media exaggerations.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a press briefing on Friday, asked the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus to uphold its responsibility towards all minority communities.
“India has consistently and strongly taken up with the Bangladesh government issues relating to threats and attacks against Hindus and other minorities. The increasing incidents of violence and extremist rhetoric cannot be ignored,” Jaiswal said, calling upon Bangladesh to take concrete action to guarantee the security of its minority communities.
Earlier this week, Bangladesh reacted to the accusations by India, terming them “unfounded” and adding that such claims do not reflect the harmony among various faiths in the country.
A new wave of violence has engulfed Bangladesh following the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and attacks on temples by radical groups. More than 200 temples have been attacked since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August, reports said.
Besides, the Hindu religious body ISKCON came under attack, and the demand for its ban was raised. The Bangladesh government termed the ISKCON a “religious fundamentalist organization,” whereas the MEA clarified its view on ISKCON as an internationally reputed body known more for its social service activities.
The MEA further hoped that the legal processes that had been underway would be taken to a logical conclusion in a just and transparent manner, with the respect of the rights of all persons concerned.
The Bangladesh government now asserts: “Bangladesh reiterates her commitment to an independent judiciary. It does not interfere in the judicial processes.” It also said, “Bangladesh is also committed to ensuring communal harmony throughout the country,” regarding the concerns raised by India.
