India on Friday expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and targeted attacks against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and called upon the Muhammad Yunus-led government to “live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities”.
Addressing the weekly briefing on Friday, 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… The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities.”
He said India is concerned about the surge of extremist rhetoric in the neighbouring country.
“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…,” he added.
Jaiswal said India has reiterated its strong stance on the situation of Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh.
“We made our position very clear as far as the situation of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh is concerned. We have raised this matter with Bangladesh that they must take responsibility for protecting the minorities and safeguarding their interests, safeguarding, and providing for their safety and security…,” he added.
On the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh, Jaiswal said India has already made its stance on the issue known.
“We see ISKCON as a globally well-regarded organisation with a strong record of social service. As far as the arrest of Chinmoy Das is concerned, we have made our statement on that… 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…,” said the MEA spokesperson.
Das has been charged with sedition for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong on October 25.
As Das continues to remain in a Bangladesh jail, protests have erupted in various parts of the country against him and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISCKON).
On Friday, after prayers, protesters linked to the Hefazat-e-Islam gathered outside the Bitul Mukarram Mosque in Dhaka calling for a ban on ISCKON.
The protesters were seen with flags and were also seen sloganeering even as a large contingent of Police personnel kept watch.
The protests were held at the north gate of the mosque.The situation has been tense after a lawyer was killed during clashes between police and alleged followers of Das in the Chattogram Court Building area on November 27.
Even though ISKCON’s Bangladesh unit has rejected allegations linking the religious organisation to the killing of lawyer in Chattogram, protests continue in the country.
India also confirmed that the supply of commodities to Bangladesh continues without disruption.
“… The supply of commodities from India to Bangladesh continues. And likewise, the trade between Bangladesh and India continues in both directions…,” said Jaiswal.
With inputs from agencies
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‘Live up to responsibility…’: India urges Bangladesh to protect all minorities amid rising violence
