Sat Nov 30 05:58:30 UTC 2024: ## India Expresses Deep Concern Over Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh
**New Delhi, India** – India has voiced serious concern over a surge in extremist rhetoric and violence targeting Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, urging the interim government to fulfill its responsibility to protect all citizens. The statement follows a string of attacks on temples and individuals, including the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed Parliament that India has formally conveyed its concerns to Bangladesh, emphasizing that the protection of all citizens, including minorities, is the primary responsibility of the Bangladeshi government. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka continues to closely monitor the situation.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal echoed these sentiments, stating that India has repeatedly raised the issue of targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladeshi government. Jaiswal specifically highlighted the concerning rise in extremist rhetoric and violence, dismissing claims that these incidents are merely media exaggerations.
The MEA also called for a just, fair, and transparent trial for Chinmoy Krishna Das, associated with ISKCON, arrested on sedition charges. Jaiswal emphasized India’s expectation that Das’s legal rights will be fully respected.
The concerns extend to incidents during the recent Durga Puja festival, including attacks on a puja mandap in Dhaka and theft at a temple in Satkhira. While the Bangladeshi government deployed additional security forces in response, India remains deeply troubled by the ongoing violence and the need for stronger protection of religious minorities. The escalating tensions have strained relations between the two neighboring countries.
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