‘Concerned Over Surge In Extremist Rhetoric’: India On Violence In Bangladesh – News18

Last Updated:November 29, 2024, 16:27 IST

The Ministry of External Affairs said the rise in extremist rhetoric and violence cannot be dismissed as media exaggeration.

The Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the ongoing violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh and stressed that the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities.

Responding to a question, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. Our position on the matter is clear – the interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities.”

Jaiswal further said that the increasing violent incidents and provocation cannot be dismissed only as media exaggeration. His remarks came after ISKCON Priest Chinmoy Krishna, also known as Krishna Prabhu Das, was taken into custody on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh’s national flag. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage.

‘ISKCON Is Globally Well-Regarded Organisation’: MEA

The ministry further said the ISKCON “is a globally well-regarded organisation with a strong record of social service” and called upon Bangladesh to take all steps for the protection of minorities. Regarding the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna, Jaiswal said all legal processes are underway. “We expect that these processes will deal with the case in a just, fair and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for the legal rights of all concerned,” he added.

The External Affairs Ministry also said the supply of commodities from India to Bangladesh continues despite the ongoing violence appearing to impact bilateral relations, which have already strained following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. Jaiswal said India continues to raise the matter of protecting the minorities with Bangladesh’s interim government.

Jaishankar’s Written Reply To Parliament

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar submitted a written reply in the Lok Sabha, where he stressed that the responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh.

The recent arrest of the ISKCON priest has sparked global outrage, with foreign diplomats condemning the attacks on Hindus. The situation worsened when Saiful Islam Alif, a lawyer, was hacked to death as thousands protested against Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu’s arrest, who was later denied bail.

Moreover, a petition was filed to ban ISKCON from Bangladesh, saying it was a “radical organisation” which promoted communal hatred. The petition was rejected by the Bangladesh High Court, saying the government authorities have taken necessary measures.

The Hindu community has repeatedly suffered incidents of vandalism, looting, arson, land grabbing, and threats to leave the country since the student protests against the Hasina regime and particularly after the interim government was sworn in on August 8 under the leadership of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.