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Ministry of External Affairs expresses concern at surge of extremist rhetoric and increasing incidents of violence in Bangladesh
India has called on Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to fulfill its responsibility of safeguarding minorities amid increasing incidents of violence and rising extremist rhetoric. The issue has garnered significant attention following recent attacks on Hindu minorities and the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges.
India’s Stance on Violence Against Minorities
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted India’s concerns during the weekly media briefing on Friday (November 29, 2024). “The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities,” Jaiswal stated, emphasising that India has consistently raised concerns with the Bangladeshi authorities about threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities.
The MEA Spokesperson underlined the alarming rise in extremist rhetoric and acts of provocation in Bangladesh, particularly against Hindus. “We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence, and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggerations,” he noted.
Addressing specific cases of violence, Jaiswal said, “We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for the protection of minorities,” he urged.
The ISKCON Priest Arrest: A Flashpoint
The arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das has sparked unrest in Bangladesh and drawn sharp criticism from religious and political groups in India. Das was arrested in Dhaka in connection with a sedition case filed against him in October after he led protests against atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. A court later denied bail to him.
Jaiswal commented on the legal proceedings against Das, emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness. “We expect that these processes will be dealt with in a fair, just, and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for the legal rights of all concerned,” he said. “We see ISKCON as a globally well-regarded organisation with a strong record of social service,” he remarked.
On November 26, 2024, the MEA had condemned the arrest and subsequent denial of bail to Das. “We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,” it said in a statement.
EAM Jaishankar’s Statement in Lok Sabha
In Parliament, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s position on the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. “The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh,” he said in response to a question about violence against Hindus.
EAM Jaishankar also noted that India’s High Commission in Dhaka continues to closely monitor the situation, reflecting the seriousness of the issue. “The government has taken a serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh,” he informed the Lok Sabha.
The unrest in Bangladesh has provoked political responses in India, with leaders across the spectrum urging the Modi government to intervene. The issue has reignited concerns about the safety of Hindu minorities in South Asia and the need for stronger bilateral mechanisms to address such crises.
Despite the challenges, trade and diplomatic engagements between India and Bangladesh remain unaffected. MEA confirmed that the supply of commodities and trade continues as usual.
The situation in Bangladesh presents a critical test for India’s foreign policy in the region. While maintaining its stance on protecting minorities, India is navigating the complexities of engaging with an interim government while upholding its commitment to the safety and rights of vulnerable communities. As the crisis unfolds, the international community will closely watch how India balances its diplomatic and humanitarian priorities.
India’s Stance on Violence Against Minorities
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted India’s concerns during the weekly media briefing on Friday (November 29, 2024). “The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities,” Jaiswal stated, emphasising that India has consistently raised concerns with the Bangladeshi authorities about threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities.
The MEA Spokesperson underlined the alarming rise in extremist rhetoric and acts of provocation in Bangladesh, particularly against Hindus. “We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence, and provocation. These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggerations,” he noted.
Addressing specific cases of violence, Jaiswal said, “We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps for the protection of minorities,” he urged.
The ISKCON Priest Arrest: A Flashpoint
The arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das has sparked unrest in Bangladesh and drawn sharp criticism from religious and political groups in India. Das was arrested in Dhaka in connection with a sedition case filed against him in October after he led protests against atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. A court later denied bail to him.
Jaiswal commented on the legal proceedings against Das, emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness. “We expect that these processes will be dealt with in a fair, just, and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for the legal rights of all concerned,” he said. “We see ISKCON as a globally well-regarded organisation with a strong record of social service,” he remarked.
On November 26, 2024, the MEA had condemned the arrest and subsequent denial of bail to Das. “We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression,” it said in a statement.
EAM Jaishankar’s Statement in Lok Sabha
In Parliament, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s position on the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. “The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh,” he said in response to a question about violence against Hindus.
EAM Jaishankar also noted that India’s High Commission in Dhaka continues to closely monitor the situation, reflecting the seriousness of the issue. “The government has taken a serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh,” he informed the Lok Sabha.
The unrest in Bangladesh has provoked political responses in India, with leaders across the spectrum urging the Modi government to intervene. The issue has reignited concerns about the safety of Hindu minorities in South Asia and the need for stronger bilateral mechanisms to address such crises.
Despite the challenges, trade and diplomatic engagements between India and Bangladesh remain unaffected. MEA confirmed that the supply of commodities and trade continues as usual.
The situation in Bangladesh presents a critical test for India’s foreign policy in the region. While maintaining its stance on protecting minorities, India is navigating the complexities of engaging with an interim government while upholding its commitment to the safety and rights of vulnerable communities. As the crisis unfolds, the international community will closely watch how India balances its diplomatic and humanitarian priorities.
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