'Disturbing pattern of recurring attacks': India raises alarm over violence against minorities in Bangladesh

India flags minority attacks Bangladesh

India on Friday pointed to what it described as a “disturbing pattern” of repeated attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, stressing that communal violence must be addressed decisively and without delay.

Amid ongoing assaults on Hindu minorities, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India remained deeply concerned by the recurring nature of such incidents.

“We continue to witness a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities as well as their homes and businesses by extremists. Such communal incidents need to be dealt with swiftly and firmly,” Jaiswal said.

He also criticised attempts to downplay or mischaracterise the violence. “We have observed a troubling tendency to attribute such incidents to personal rivalries, political differences, or extraneous reasons. Such disregard only emboldens the perpetrators, and deepens the sense of fear and insecurity among minorities,” he added.

UK lawmaker urges action on Bangladesh crisis

Separately, UK MP Priti Patel has written to British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, urging the UK government to use its diplomatic influence to help stabilise the situation in Bangladesh.

“The situation in Bangladesh is very concerning. Religious freedoms should be protected and the murders of Hindus and persecution taking place are wrong and must stop,” Patel said, highlighting growing concerns over religious violence.

Referring to recent reports of killings, she wrote: “In recent weeks, there have been reports of at least six Hindus being killed within an 18-day period. This level of persecution and violence is unacceptable.”

She added: “The UK Government must use its influence and convening powers to work to bring about stability in Bangladesh and a future where religious freedoms are protected and Hindus as safe.”

Patel also sought details from the Foreign Secretary on what steps the UK has taken to raise the issue with Bangladeshi authorities and what assurances have been received regarding the protection of Hindu communities.

Fresh killings heighten global concern

Bangladesh has faced growing international scrutiny following widespread protests over the murder of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which were followed by violent attacks targeting Hindus.

In one incident, a young factory worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched by a mob and his body set on fire, underscoring what activists have described as rising lawlessness.

This week, a Hindu grocery shop owner and a journalist were killed within 24 hours. Sarat Chakraborty Mani was attacked with sharp weapons at Charsindur Bazaar in Palash upazila of Narsingdi district, while journalist Rana Pratap, 45, was shot multiple times by unidentified attackers at a market and died at the scene.

Earlier, on December 31, Hindu businessman Khokon Chandra Das was stabbed and set on fire by a mob in Shariatpur district. He managed to jump into a pond to escape but later died from burn injuries in hospital.