On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) disclosed that there were approximately 2,200 incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh during 2024, particularly following the downfall of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina in the neighboring nation. The government mentioned that 112 similar cases were also recorded in Pakistan during that time.
While presenting the data in Rajya Sabha, the MEA stated that it has contacted both Bangladesh and Pakistan, urging the respective governments to guarantee the safety, security, and welfare of Hindus in those nations.
“The government has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh. India’s expectation is that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities,” a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
“The Indian Government addresses the problem of violence against minority groups via diplomatic means and has called on the Pakistani Government to take measures to curb religious intolerance, sectarian violence, systematic persecution, and assaults on minority communities, while ensuring their safety, security, and welfare. India persistently brings attention to the suffering of minorities in Pakistan at suitable international platforms,” the statement added.According to the provided data, there were 47 reported incidents of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh in 2022, 302 in 2023, and a dramatic increase to 2,200 in 2024 (up to December 8, 2024).
The data indicated that in Pakistan, there were 241 reported incidents of violence against Hindus in 2022, 103 in 2023, and 112 in 2024 (up to October).
The government also remarked that no incidents of violence against Hindus were recorded in any neighboring nations except for Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, provided this information in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, referencing data from organizations focused on minority and human rights.
