SRINAGAR: The Government of India has expressed serious concerns over incidents of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, including attacks on temples and religious places during August 2024 and the recent Durga Puja festival. The statement was laid on the table of the Lok Sabha today by Minister of External Affairs, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in response to a query on the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.
The statement highlighted reports of violence targeting Hindus, including looting, arson, and heinous crimes against women, as well as attacks on temples and puja mandaps. Specific incidents included an attack on a puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira during Durga Puja 2024.
Dr Jaishankar noted that the Government of Bangladesh had responded by deploying special security measures, including the Army and Border Guards, to ensure peaceful celebrations of Durga Puja. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka continues to closely monitor the situation, while reiterating that the responsibility for protecting the life and liberty of all citizens, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh.
The question was raised in the Lok Sabha by BJP MP Arun Kumar Sagar, who sought details on the violence and the steps taken to prevent recurrence. Dr. Jaishankar’s statement underscored the Indian Government’s engagement with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of minorities and their religious places.
