India condemns ‘hostility’ against Bangladesh minorities
NEW DELHI: The acrimonious exchanges between India and Bangladesh in the past few weeks came to a head on Friday with India slamming Dhaka for “unremitting hostility” against minorities – including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists – in the country at the hands of extremists. Calling it a matter of grave concern, ministry of external affairs (MEA) condemned the recent killing of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh and stressed that the perpetrators of the crime must be brought to justice.Asked about the return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to Dhaka after 17 years, the Indian govt only said it should be seen in the context of India’s call for efforts to ensure free, fair and inclusive parliamentary polls in Bangladesh. PM Narendra Modi had earlier expressed concerns about the failing health of Tarique’s mother and former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia and offered all possible assistance to her.Tarique returned to Dhaka on Thursday, further energising BNP – which was revived by former PM Sheikh Hasina’s ouster last year – ahead of the Feb 12 parliamentary elections.On the security situation in Bangladesh, the ministry said it rejected the false narrative created in the country. “You would understand that law and order or security situation or the developments that are happening in Bangladesh is the responsibility of the govt of Bangladesh, and to portray a narrative where things go in some other direction is completely false and we reject that,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
‘2,900 incidents against minorities have been documented during Yunus government’The official said that more than 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities, including cases of killings, arson, and land grab, have been documented by independent sources during the tenure of the interim govt and these incidents cannot be brushed aside as mere media exaggeration or dismissed as political violence. The interim govt led by chief adviser Muhammad Yunus has repeatedly brushed aside India’s concerns as propaganda by the Indian media.”We are all aware of the recent developments in Bangladesh. We have been closely following them. And, as far as the law and order situation is concerned, I have been apprising you from time to time as to what our position has been or should be and is today. The unremitting hostility against minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists at the hands of extremists, is a matter of grave concern,” said the official.“India wants close and friendly relations with people of Bangladesh which is rooted in Liberation struggle and strengthened through various development and people-to-people initiatives,” he said. BNP had earlier said it wanted balanced ties with India. Indian govt’s response was that it remained committed to the best interests of people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country and will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all stakeholders.
