India raises minority safety concerns with BD

India has urged Bangladesh to ensure the protection of minority communities and properly investigate reported incidents of violence against them, stressing the need for a responsible response from the government.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks during the ministry’s regular briefing on Wednesday.

During the briefing, a journalist referred to a statement by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council ahead of Durga Puja, which alleged that 141 incidents of violence, including murders, targeting minorities had taken place over the past three months. The journalist also asked about the reported absence of arrests in connection with the incidents.

Jaiswal said India expected Bangladesh to address the reports appropriately and ensure that the incidents were investigated and resolved.

On Bangladesh’s participation in the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, Jaiswal described the delegation’s presence as a positive sign of security cooperation. Bangladesh was represented by a delegation led by the home secretary instead of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. He said the participation reflected constructive engagement on regional security issues.

Referring to the joint Delhi Declaration adopted at the meeting, Jaiswal said BIMSTEC member states had agreed to strengthen coordination to combat international terrorism, cross-border drug trafficking and money laundering. He added that Bangladesh’s participation would contribute to advancing regional security cooperation.

- MaT