“2,900 Incidents Cannot Be Called Media Exaggeration,” Says India

India has once again expressed deep concern over the continuing violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Referring to the recent killings of Hindu youths Dipu Chandra Das and Amrit Mondol, New Delhi said such incidents cannot be dismissed as mere media exaggeration or political violence. The comments were made on Friday by Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during the ministry’s regular briefing.

He said, “The continuous violence against minorities, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists, at the hands of extremists in Bangladesh is a matter of serious concern. According to independent sources, nearly 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities have been documented during the tenure of the interim government. These include cases of murder, arson and land grabbing. These incidents cannot be brushed aside as media exaggeration.”

On December 18, the killing of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, over allegations of religious blasphemy, followed by the burning of his body, triggered international reactions. At the time, the United Nations and other quarters expressed concern over the human rights situation in Bangladesh. Before the impact of that incident faded, local youth Amrit Mondol, also known as Samrat, was lynched in Rajbari district late Wednesday night.

Police have claimed that the killing of Amrit Mondol was linked to extortion and was not communal in nature. According to district police, the victim faced multiple charges, including a murder case, and weapons were recovered from one of his associates. However, critics allege that the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus is attempting to cover up extremist mob violence by portraying it as an “extortion-related incident”.

India said it is closely monitoring the recent law and order situation in Bangladesh and is maintaining regular communication with Dhaka on the issue. It also stressed that ensuring the safety of minorities is the responsibility of the Bangladesh government.

Meanwhile, protests have taken place in India around Bangladeshi diplomatic missions in response to these incidents. Demonstrations were held in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, and vandalism occurred at the Bangladesh visa centre in Siliguri. However, the Indian government said misleading information had been spread regarding these protests.

Speaking on Bangladesh–India relations, the upcoming national election, and the possible return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to the country, Randhir Jaiswal said India wants free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh in a peaceful environment and is keen to further strengthen relations with the people of Bangladesh.