According to the Indian government, as many as 23 Hindus have been killed in Bangladesh since August 5, 2024, and as many as 152 Hindu temples have been attacked. The government said later that it was seriously concerned about the violence against its Hindu minority across its neighbour and assured that the issue had been raised at the highest levels.
India has conveyed its concern to Bangladesh about the safety and protection of Hindus and other minority communities in the country, Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan said. He added that on December 9, 2024, during the visit of India’s Foreign Secretary, the issue was also raised. During this visit, India reiterated its expectation from the Bangladesh government that it must secure the rights and security of the minority.
After this, on December 10, 2024, the Bangladesh government said 70 people were arrested in connection with 88 cases of attacks on minorities. The police later investigated 1,254 incidents of violence towards the minority community out of which vandalism and assaults were included.
While the responsibility to protect all its citizens, including minority groups, is a responsibility of the Government of Bangladesh, the Indian government is monitoring the situation very closely, the minister added. He also added that the High Commission of India in Dhaka has been talking to Bangladeshi (authorities) to protect the safety of Hindu minorities.
India has been standing its ground on excessive violence against minorities in Bangladesh and has been pressing the government there to take strong action against the attacks. Concerns over steps to protect minority rights and religious freedom have been triggered by the incidents, with Hindu organizations and human rights activists calling for swift measures.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates