Act against communal violence: India tells Bangladesh
India on Friday voiced deep concern over a spate of communal incidents in Bangladesh and urged authorities there to respond with urgency and firmness to ensure the safety of minorities and uphold fundamental human rights.
New Delhi’s remarks follow reports of at least five Hindu men being killed in violent circumstances across Bangladesh in recent weeks, developments that have raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation for minority communities in the neighbouring country. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has been closely monitoring what it sees as a disturbing pattern of repeated attacks against religious minorities, including assaults on their homes, temples and businesses.
He noted that extremist elements appeared to be behind many of these incidents, creating a pervasive climate of fear.“Such incidents must be dealt with swiftly and firmly,” Jaiswal said, stressing that visible accountability is essential to deter further violence and reassure vulnerable communities.
He also cautioned against attempts to dismiss communal attacks as outcomes of personal disputes, political rivalries or unrelated local issues. “This tendency to downplay the nature of these crimes only emboldens perpetrators and deepens the sense of insecurity among minorities,” he said.
India has repeatedly underscored the need for robust protection of minority rights in the region and has called on Bangladesh to deliver justice to victims while taking concrete steps to prevent the recurrence of communal violence.
The concern comes as Bangladesh moves closer to its 13th National Parliamentary Election, amid growing reports of intimidation and violence targeting religious minorities, particularly Hindus. The situation has intensified scrutiny of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, with questions being raised over its ability to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure free and fair electoral participation.
According to a statement released by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, at least 51 incidents of communal violence were recorded in December alone. These reportedly included 10 killings, 23 cases of looting and arson, 10 incidents of robbery and theft, four instances of detention and torture linked to alleged blasphemy, one attempted rape and three cases of physical assault. The Council said homes, temples and businesses belonging to minorities were systematically targeted.
The violence has continued into January. On January 2, paddy fields owned by Satyaranjan Das in Lakshmipur were allegedly set on fire. A day later, businessman Khokon Chandra Das was reportedly killed in Shariatpur after being attacked and set ablaze. The same day saw coordinated robberies in Chattogram and Cumilla, where armed criminals allegedly took families hostage and looted cash and valuables.
On January 4, gold trader Shubho Poddar was reportedly tied up during a robbery in which nearly 30 bhori of gold ornaments were stolen. That day also witnessed a particularly brutal incident in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, where a 40-year-old widowed Hindu woman was allegedly gang-raped and subjected to severe torture.
The following day, January 5, ice factory owner Rama Pratap Bairagi was publicly killed in Jashore, while grocery shop owner Moni Chakraborty was stabbed to death in Narsingdi. Minority organisations warn that several other incidents may have gone unreported.
Despite the scale and severity of the violence, minority leaders allege that the interim government has failed to take decisive nationwide action. They point to the absence of enhanced security measures, emergency protection plans for vulnerable communities and clear accountability for those responsible.
“The minorities of this country are living in fear and uncertainty,” the Unity Council said, warning that the attacks appear aimed at intimidating minority voters and undermining their ability to participate freely in the upcoming election.
