India says developments in Bangladesh 'can't be dismissed only as media exaggerations'

India has expressed concern over what it called a "surge of extremist rhetoric" in Bangladesh and said these developments "cannot be dismissed" only as "media exaggerations".

The interim government of Bangladesh must live up to its responsibility of protecting the minorities, said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson at India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

"We are concerned at the surge of extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence and provocation," Jaiswal told reporters in a regular media briefing in New Delhi today (29 November), UNB reports, citing Indian media.

At a separate event today, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to monitor the situation related to the minorities in Bangladesh closely, reports Times of India.

The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the government of Bangladesh, Jaishankar said while responding to questions at the Indian Lok Sabha.

He said the government of India has seen several reports of incidents of "violence against Hindus and other minorities", their homes and business establishments and of "attacks on temples/religious places", including in the month of August 2024, across Bangladesh.

He added that the Indian government has taken a "serious note" of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Bangladesh government.

Reports of attacks on temples and puja mandaps also came to light during the recent Durga Puja festival in Bangladesh, Jaishankar said.

He said the government of India had expressed its "serious concerns" regarding the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka and theft at the Jashoreshwari Kali temple in Satkhira during Durga Puja 2024.

Following these attacks, the government of Bangladesh had issued instructions for providing special security including deployment of army and BGB to ensure peaceful celebrations of Durga Puja, Jaishankar said.

'Surge of extremist rhetoric'

MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal at the media briefing called upon Bangladesh to take steps for the protection of minorities.

Expressing its concern over the situation of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, Jaiswal said the Indian government has raised the issue with Bangladesh.

"We made opposition very clear as far as the situation of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh is concerned. We have raised this matter with Bangladesh that they must take responsibility for protecting the minorities and safeguarding their interests, and providing for their safety and security," he added.

On the arrest and imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das, Jaiswal said they have issued a statement on that. "We see Iskcon as a globally well-regarded organisation with a strong record of social service.

He said cases against individuals and legal processes are underway.

The Indian MEA spokesperson said they hope and expect that these processes will be dealt with in a fair, just and transparent manner ensuring full respect for these individuals and all those who are concerned.