India on Friday expressed concern over the recent killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh, describing the series of incidents targeting minority communities as “worrisome” and saying such violence cannot be ignored.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, made the remarks during a media briefing, adding that India seeks free, fair, inclusive, and participatory election in a peaceful environment in Bangladesh.
“We are all aware of the recent incidents happening in Bangladesh. We are closely monitoring the situation,” Jaiswal said. “The continued hostility against minorities, including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists, at the hands of extremists in Bangladesh is a matter of deep concern.”
He condemned the killing of a Hindu man in Mymensingh and said India expects the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The spokesperson also claimed that during the tenure of Bangladesh’s interim government, more than 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities were documented from independent sources. These included murder, arson, and land-grabbing cases. Jaiswal stressed that these incidents cannot simply be dismissed as media exaggeration or political violence.
In recent days, he did not comment on protests and violence in front of Bangladesh missions and visa centers in Delhi, Kolkata, and other Indian cities.
Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, also condemned the killing in a statement, noting that it does not support any form of illegal activity, mob violence, or other violent acts. The administration clarified that the incident in Rajbari was not a communal attack but stemmed from extortion allegations and so-called criminal activities. Legal action will be taken against all those directly or indirectly involved.
Regarding BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, Jaiswal said India supports free, fair, and inclusive election in Bangladesh, and such matters should be viewed in that context.
Regarding attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, Jaiswal said India’s position on Bangladesh has been “clear and consistent” from the beginning. He added that India seeks stronger relations with the people of Bangladesh and supports peace and stability in the country.
“India wants free, fair, inclusive, and participatory election in a peaceful environment in Bangladesh,” he said.
