Not media exaggeration: India on surge in attacks against Bangladeshi Hindus

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday attacked Bangladesh over targeted attacks on Hindus, saying the increasing incidents of violence against minorities cannot merely be dismissed as “media exaggerations”. Addressing a press briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called upon the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government to live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities.
“India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. We are concerned about the surge of extremist rhetoric. Increasing incidents of violence and provocation cannot be dismissed merely as media exaggerations. We call upon Bangladesh to take steps for the protection of minorities,” Jaiswal said.
Earlier this week, Bangladesh called India’s charges “unfounded” while saying they do not reflect the harmony that exists among the people of all faiths in the country.
A fresh wave of unrest has gripped Bangladesh following the arrest of a Hindu leader, Chinmoy Krishna Das, and the targeting of temples by radical Islamic outfits. Since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August, over 200 temples have been targeted.
Hindu religious outfit Iskcon has also been targeted, with a petition demanding its ban. The Bangladesh government has called it a “religious fundamentalist organisation”. “We see Iskcon as a globally well-regarded organisation with a strong record of social service,” the MEA said.
On Chinmoy Das’s arrest, the MEA said, “Cases against individuals and legal processes are underway. We hope and expect that these processes will be dealt with in a fair, just and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for these individuals and all those who are concerned.”
The Bangladesh government, however, said it does not interfere with the country’s judiciary, which is fully independent. “Bangladesh is also committed to upholding communal harmony in the country,” it further said while responding to India’s concerns.