India Hits Back: ‘Protect Your Minorities’ – Strong Response to Bangladesh’s Bengal Violence Comment
- MGMMTeam
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
India firmly rejected Bangladesh's statement on the violence in West Bengal during protests over the amended Waqf Bill on Friday, advising its eastern neighbor to concentrate on safeguarding minorities within its own borders.
This response followed Bangladesh's appeal on Thursday, urging the Indian government and West Bengal authorities to take necessary measures to protect the state's minority Muslim population amid the unrest.
“We reject the remarks made by the Bangladesh side with regard to the incidents in West Bengal," stated the Ministry of External Affairs in an official statement.
“This is a barely disguised and disingenuous attempt to draw a parallel with India’s concerns over the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh where the criminal perpetrators of such acts continue to roam free," the statement read.
Violent protests erupted in West Bengal over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, particularly in areas like Murshidabad and Bhangar in South 24 Parganas. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces were reported, with police vehicles being set ablaze. At least three people lost their lives in the unrest.
“Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signalling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities," the MEA said.
Bangladesh Responds to Bengal Violence
The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Mohammad Yousuf, strongly objected to India's efforts to associate Bangladesh with the communal violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal, and called on the neighboring country to ensure the safety of its minority Muslim community.
“We strongly refute any attempts to implicate Bangladesh in the communal violence in Murshidabad," Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, informed BSS at the Foreign Service Academy.
Are Bangladeshi Infiltrators Fueling Violence in Bengal?
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) expressed concern over the recent violence in three border areas of Murshidabad, West Bengal, and issued an order to deploy additional paramilitary forces as a precautionary step, according to sources.
The sources further mentioned that the preliminary investigation into the violence pointed to the involvement of Bangladeshi miscreants, allegedly backed by local TMC leaders, who lost control over these individuals.
The West Bengal BJP unit claimed that more than "400 Hindus" were forced to flee their homes in Dhulian town, Murshidabad district, following targeted attacks against them.
Bangladesh's Responsibility to Protect Hindus
India has repeatedly raised concerns with Bangladesh regarding the persecution of religious minorities, especially the Hindu community, within the country.
Last year, India voiced its "deep concern" over the arrest and subsequent denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, the spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha and head of Pundarik Dham in Chittagong.
The ministry emphasized the wider issue of violence against minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh, stating: “This incident (Chinmoy Das’ arrest) follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. Documented cases of arson, looting of minority homes and businesses, theft, vandalism, and desecration of deities and temples are deeply troubling."
The MEA expressed concern that, while those responsible for these attacks are still at large, charges have been filed against a religious leader who had been peacefully assembling to present legitimate demands.
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