India closely monitors reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, raises concerns with Dhaka at highest political and diplomatic levels, urges thorough investigations, accountability, and justice for killings, arson, and violence targeting minority communities.
India is closely monitoring reports of attacks against minority communities in Bangladesh, including incidents targeting homes, properties, businesses, and places of worship, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. New Delhi has consistently raised the issue with the authorities in Dhaka at both political and diplomatic levels, reiterating its expectation that those responsible for violence against minorities must be brought to justice without delay.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh made these remarks in a written response to a question by CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Brittas. The query sought details on whether the Indian government had taken cognisance of reports involving killings, arson, intimidation, and the alleged deterioration of law and order affecting minority communities in Bangladesh over the past two years.
In his reply, Singh stated that the Government of India continues to monitor developments closely. “India has consistently raised the matter of safety and security of minorities with the authorities in Bangladesh on several occasions,” he said, emphasising that the issue has been addressed at the highest political and diplomatic levels.
According to the minister, the matter was raised directly by the Prime Minister during his meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on April 4, 2025. It was also discussed by the External Affairs Minister in a meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain on February 16, 2025. In addition, India has conveyed its concerns during interactions with other foreign interlocutors and through established diplomatic channels.
Singh underscored India’s expectation that the interim government of Bangladesh will fulfil its responsibilities by conducting thorough investigations into the reported incidents. “All perpetrators of killings, arson, and violence against minorities must be brought to justice without excuses,” he said, adding that accountability is essential to restore confidence and ensure the rule of law.
He further stressed that the primary responsibility for protecting the life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minority communities, rests with the government of Bangladesh. India, he noted, remains sensitive to developments in the region and believes that ensuring minority rights is fundamental to social stability and democratic values.
Responding to another question, Singh addressed recent statements made by the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government regarding the attacks on Hindus and other minority groups. He expressed concern over what he described as a troubling tendency to attribute such attacks to personal rivalries, political differences, or other extraneous reasons.
“This approach only emboldens extremists and perpetrators of such crimes,” Singh said. He warned that dismissing targeted violence as isolated or unrelated incidents deepens fear and insecurity among minority communities and undermines trust in state institutions.
The minister reiterated that India’s concerns and sensitivities regarding attacks on minorities have been clearly conveyed to the Bangladeshi government, including at the highest political levels. He added that New Delhi expects Dhaka to take firm and visible steps to prevent further incidents, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure justice through impartial investigations.
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The issue of minority safety in Bangladesh has drawn attention amid reports from various quarters highlighting attacks on religious and ethnic minorities during periods of political uncertainty. India has repeatedly emphasised that peace, stability, and inclusive governance in its neighbourhood are vital for regional security and cooperation.
While reaffirming respect for Bangladesh’s sovereignty, India has maintained that safeguarding minority rights is a universal obligation and a key component of international human rights commitments. The government’s statement in Parliament signals that New Delhi will continue to engage Dhaka on this issue while closely monitoring developments on the ground.
