Amid reports of attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that even as various initiatives have been taken by groups and organisations to ensure the protection and well-being of minorities, India naturally remains deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored in the neighboring country.

“… This issue was addressed by the EAM in his suo moto statement. We are also monitoring the situation, about the status of the minorities. There are also reports that various initiatives have been taken by groups and organisations to ensure the protection and well-being of minorities,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Reiterating what EAM Jaishankar had said in the Parliament, Jaiswal said India welcomes steps taken to ensure well-being of minorities in Bangladesh.

“We welcome these steps, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored’… We also want to make it clear that it is the responsibility of every government to ensure the well-being of all its citizens. We hope for an early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh. This is both in the interest of the country and for the larger region as a whole…,” added Jaiswal.

On Monday, businesses and homes owned by Hindus — who are perceived by some as supporters of the ousted leader Sheikh Hasina — were targeted in attacks, According to AFP, citing witnesses. Police said mobs conducted revenge attacks on Hasina’s allies, burning and looting Awami League party offices nationwide.

According to Rana Dasgupta, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, at least 97 minority-owned properties were vandalised and looted on Monday and Tuesday. Additionally, 10 Hindu temples were attacked, and a Hindu man was beaten to death in Bagerhat district, according to the report, citing hospital official.

When asked about the Indians stranded in Bangladesh, Jaiswal said EAM Jaishankar had informed in Parliament that there are 19,000 people in Bangladesh including 9,000 students, majority of whom have come back.

“There are Indians who want to come back. Our High Commission is assisting them… The airlines are operating. Several people have reached out to our commission and high commission… As far as the staff working in the Indian High Commissions is concerned, our non-essential staff and their family members have come back… Other embassies have also pulled back their non-essential people. We hope normalcy returns soon…,” said Jaiswal.

Jaiswal said the situation in Bangladesh is evolving and emphasised for the government and the people of India, the interest of the people of Bangladesh is foremost in our minds.

“It has been reported that this evening there will be a swearing-in of the interim government. Diplomatic community members have been invited. It is likely that our High Commissioner will participate… Once, those things take place, I would like to emphasise one thing, for the government and the people of India, the interest of the people of Bangladesh is foremost in our minds…,” said Jaiswal.

When asked about the situation of investments made in Bangladesh by India, Jaiswal said, “We are engaged with authorities in Dhaka… As a close friend of the people of Bangladesh, it is our understanding that we want the restoration of peace and stability in the country as soon as possible so that normal life can begin… and we can take the interest of the people of Bangladesh forward…”

Talking about reports of protests in Britain, Jaiswal said, “A lot of incidents are happening there. We have issued an advisory because a lot of our people go to the UK. We asked the people to keep themselves in safer places…”

Jaiswal said India has also been following on the developments in Venezuela since the recent presidential elections.

“We hope there is a peaceful resolution of the issue…,” he added.

With inputs from agencies

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‘Welcome steps but will remain deeply concerned till…’: MEA on situation of minorities in Bangladesh