NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Friday once again called up Bangladesh government to take measures to ensure the protection of minorities in the country and said that the incidents “cannot be dismissed only as media exaggeration”.
“India has consistently and strongly raised with Bangladesh government threats, targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. The opposition on the matter is very clear, the interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
“These developments cannot be dismissed only as media exaggeration. We once again call upon Bangladesh to take all steps to protect all minorities,” Jaiswal said.
On the recent tension over arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, Jaiswal said, “We see Iskcon as globally well-regarded organisation with a strong record of social service. As far as the the question of the arrest of Chinmoy Das is concerned, we have noted that legal processes are underway it is our expectation that it will be dealt in fair and just manner, ensuring full respect of legal rights of the individuals.”
Bangladesh’s minority Hindus, which constitute only about 8 per cent of the 170 million population, have faced over 200 attacks in 50-odd districts since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5.
Things took a turn for the worse this week after Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested in a sedition case. He was later denied bail by a court, triggering protests by community members in various locations, including the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram.
India on Tuesday noted with “deep concern” the arrest and denial of bail to Das, urging the authorities in the neighbouring country to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all other minority groups.