New Delhi [India]: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar informed the Parliament on Friday that the Union government has taken serious note of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. He emphasized that the safety of all citizens, including minorities, is the responsibility of the Bangladeshi government.
Recent Incidents Highlighted
EAM Jaishankar, responding to a query from BJP MP Arun Kumar Sagar, noted multiple incidents of attacks on Hindu communities, temples, and businesses, particularly during the Durga Puja festival in August 2024. Specific incidents included:
- An attack on a Puja Mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka.
- Theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira.
The government has expressed its concerns to the Bangladesh authorities and reported that the Bangladeshi government deployed special security measures, including the Army and Border Guards Bangladesh, to ensure peaceful celebrations of Durga Puja.
Monitoring and Diplomatic Engagement
Jaishankar assured Parliament that the Indian High Commission in Dhaka is closely monitoring the situation of minorities. He reiterated that the primary responsibility for protecting all citizens, including minorities, lies with the government of Bangladesh.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, also commented on the issue during a media briefing, emphasizing:
- India’s consistent and strong communication with Bangladesh about targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities.
- The need for the Bangladeshi interim government to take decisive steps to safeguard minority rights.
Rising Concerns
Jaiswal noted a surge in extremist rhetoric and violent provocations in Bangladesh, urging the country to address these issues proactively.
“These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggerations,” Jaiswal said, emphasizing the importance of tangible action to protect minority communities and uphold their interests.
Broader Context
The Indian government has maintained a watchful stance on the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, urging its neighbor to live up to its responsibilities under international human rights standards and bilateral commitments.