Jaishankar on Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh
Jaishankar Addresses Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh: Responsibility Lies with Government
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized that the protection of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh lies with the Bangladeshi government. His comments come in response to growing concerns about rising violence against religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. Since August 2024, reports have surfaced detailing violent attacks on temples, puja mandaps, and individuals from minority communities. These incidents have drawn the attention of both Indian officials and global human rights organizations.
In the Lok Sabha, Jaishankar stated, “The primary responsibility for the protection of all citizens, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh.” He added that India had raised its concerns with the Bangladeshi government. Jaishankar assured that the Indian High Commission in Dhaka is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to do so. He also called for a greater international focus on ensuring the safety and rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Jaishankar’s statement comes amid widespread protests over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON priest in Bangladesh. Das has been charged with sedition after allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above the national flag during a rally in October. His arrest has sparked strong reactions across India, with political leaders from all parties urging the government to intervene.
Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has also weighed in on the issue. She condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, calling his detention “unjust” and demanding his immediate release. Hasina also called on the Bangladeshi government to protect its religious and ethnic minorities. These minorities have increasingly become targets of violence since her ousting from power in August 2024.
The situation remains tense, with religious tensions running high in Bangladesh. India has expressed its deep concern over the safety of Hindus and other religious minorities. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to standing by the people of Bangladesh in their fight for religious freedom and human rights. The Indian government continues to monitor developments closely and has called for greater efforts to ensure the protection of these vulnerable communities.
The situation highlights the need for stronger safeguards for religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh. As tensions rise, the international community will likely continue to watch closely, urging Bangladesh to uphold human rights and religious freedoms for all of its citizens.