India expresses concern over Bangladesh releasing 'violent extremists' from jail

Protesters vandalize the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of the ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, in Dhaka on February 5, 2025. (AP/File Photo)

India on Friday expressed concerns over Bangladesh releasing "violent extremists" from prison and underlined that it is the responsibility of the interim government to protect the Hindus and other minorities as well as their religious institutions.

We support a "stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh" in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding inclusive and participatory elections, New Delhi stated, PTI reported.

"We remain concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation, further exacerbated by the release of violent extremists, who were sentenced for serious crimes," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

India has repeatedly underlined that it is the responsibility of the interim government to protect the Hindus and other minorities, as well as their properties and religious institutions, he said.

"However, only 1254 incidents out of over 2374 incidents reported from August 5, 2024 to February 16, 2025 have been verified by the police. Further, 98 per cent of these 1254 incidents were deemed 'political in nature'," he said.

"We expect Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson and violence to justice without making such distinctions," he added.