'Unremitting hostilities' against minorities in Bangladesh a matter of grave concern: India
'The unremitting hostilities against minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists, at the hands of extremists are a matter of grave concern', says Jaiswal
India has issued a sharp response to recent attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, saying the "unremitting hostilities" against minority communities in the country are a matter of "grave concern".
Responding to recent developments, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a weekly media briefing today (26 December) said that those responsible for the killing of garment worker Dipu Chandra Das by a mob in Mymensingh must be "brought to justice".
On the killing of another Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, Jaiswal said, "We are aware of the recent developments in Bangladesh and are closely monitoring the situation."
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"The unremitting hostilities against minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists, at the hands of extremists are a matter of grave concern," he added.
The MEA spokesperson said that more than 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities, including cases of killings, arson and land grabbing, have been documented by independent sources during the tenure of the interim government in Bangladesh.
"These incidents cannot be brushed aside as mere media exaggerations or dismissed as political violence in Bangladesh," he said.
Jaiswal further said India has in recent days issued more than a couple of statements rejecting the "false narrative being projected in Bangladesh".
On bilateral ties, he said India's position has been clear and consistent throughout.
"India stands for strengthening our ties with the people of Bangladesh. We favour peace and stability in Bangladesh," he added.
He also said, "India has rejected the false anti-India narrative being projected in Bangladesh and reiterated that maintaining law and order and security is the responsibility of the Bangladesh interim government."
Commenting on the return of BNP leader Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh after more than 17 years in exile, the MEA spokesperson said, "India supports free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh and this development should be seen in that context."
