Closely monitoring situation: India on attacks on Hindus, other minorities in Bangladesh

The relations deteriorated further in recent weeks over attacks on the Hindus and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.

India on Thursday said it is concerned over incidents of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and asserted that the primary responsibility to protect their life and liberty rests with the interim government in Dhaka.

The comments by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in Rajya Sabha came days after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri travelled to Dhaka and conveyed New Delhi’s concerns on the matter to the top political brass of Bangladesh’s interim government. India continues to monitor the situation related to minorities in Bangladesh closely, he said, adding that the government in that country has reportedly arrested 70 people and filed 88 cases in connection with violence involving minorities.

“India’s concerns regarding the need to ensure safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities in Bangladesh have been conveyed and reiterated to the authorities of the Interim government of Bangladesh on various occasions, including at the highest level,” Singh said. The minister made the remarks responding to separate questions on the situation in Bangladesh. “The High Commission of India in Dhaka also continues to be in regular touch with the authorities of Bangladesh with regard to the welfare of minorities,” he said. “The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the government of Bangladesh,” he added.

Singh also cited instances of attacks on Hindus and other minorities, and at their homes, businesses, and temples across Bangladesh. “Reports of attacks on temples and puja mandaps also came to light during the recent Durga Puja festival in Bangladesh,” he said. “The government had expressed its serious concerns regarding the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple at Satkhira during Durga Puja,” Singh said. Following these attacks, the Bangladesh government issued instructions for providing special security, including deployment of the army and Border Guards, to ensure peaceful celebrations of Durga Puja, he said.

The minister said Bangladesh is expected to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities. “The same has also been reiterated during the visit of the Foreign Secretary to Bangladesh on December 9,” Singh said.

Ties between India and Bangladesh came under severe strain after deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave the country in the face of a massive anti-government protest in August. Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus came to power days after Hasina took shelter in India. The relations deteriorated further in recent weeks over attacks on Hindus and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.