Intercommunal situation in Bangladesh better than in many other parts of South Asia: MoFA

Bangladesh has rejected the attempt of the Indian authorities to depict an "isolated attack" on a Bangladeshi citizen, who happens to belong to the Hindu community, as attacks on minorities, saying the intercommunal situation in Bangladesh is better than in many other parts of South Asia.

"The government of Bangladesh has promptly apprehended the suspects in this incident," added the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement yesterday (21 December).

Bangladesh believes that it is the duty of all governments in the region to ensure the protection of minorities in their respective countries.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal yesterday said the fact is that about 20-25 youth gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on 20 December and raised slogans in protest against the "horrendous killing" of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh.

Jaiswal said they have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Dipu be brought to justice.

The unjustifiable incident at the Bangladesh High Commission residence in New Delhi on 20 December is highly regrettable and cannot be accepted as "misleading propaganda," Bangladesh said in its reaction.

Dhaka thinks the miscreants were allowed to carry out their activities right outside the perimeters of the High Commission, creating panic among the personnel inside the complex.

The High Commission was not given information in advance about this organised event.

"We have, however, noted the commitment of the government of India to ensure the safety and security of all Bangladesh diplomatic posts in India," MoFA said in its media release.