India has formally lodged a ‘sturdy protest’ with Bangladesh over controversial feedback made by Mahfuj Alam, a distinguished aide of Bangladesh’s interim authorities. The Ministry of Exterior Affairs (MEA) expressed concern over the character of those remarks and known as for higher accountability in public statements made by leaders of the neighboring nation.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that India is eager to proceed fostering bilateral relations with Bangladesh however warned that public articulation must be dealt with with care.
Rising Tensions in Bilateral Relations
Relations between India and Bangladesh have lately confronted important pressure, notably following political turmoil in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s authorities collapsed after violent protests erupted in opposition to the federal government’s reservation insurance policies in state jobs.
Hasina fled the nation in August beneath threatening circumstances, taking refuge in India after mobs focused her residence in Dhaka.
Within the aftermath of her departure, the interim authorities, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, assumed management. Nonetheless, the political instability and the formation of this new authorities have heightened tensions between the 2 nations.
India has repeatedly expressed considerations over the state of governance and its impression on the protection of minority communities in Bangladesh.
Concern Over Violence Towards Minorities
India has additionally raised considerations concerning a disturbing rise in violence concentrating on Hindus and different minorities in Bangladesh. The Ministry of Exterior Affairs (MEA) highlighted that 2,200 incidents of violence in opposition to Hindus have been reported in 2024, a big surge from the 302 instances in 2023.
Based on the MEA, this uptick in violence follows the collapse of the Awami League authorities in Bangladesh.
India has conveyed its considerations to the Bangladesh authorities on a number of events, urging the interim administration to take instant steps to guard the lives and rights of Hindus and different minority teams.
Minister of State for Exterior Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, reiterated these considerations within the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing that the protection of minorities in Bangladesh is a key precedence for India.
India’s Diplomatic Efforts
India’s diplomatic engagement on this concern has been ongoing. Throughout a latest go to to Bangladesh in December 2024, Overseas Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed India’s considerations on to members of the caretaker administration.
The Indian authorities expects Bangladesh to take pressing motion to make sure the safety of Hindus and different weak communities inside its borders.
