On Friday, India firmly dismissed Bangladesh’s comments regarding the violence in West Bengal amid protests over the amended Waqf Bill, urging its eastern neighbor to concentrate on safeguarding minorities within its own territory.
This follows Bangladesh’s request on Thursday for the Government of India and West Bengal to implement all measures required to safeguard the minority Muslim community amidst the violence in the state.
“We reject the remarks made by the Bangladesh side with regard to the incidents in West Bengal,” said 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.
3 people died in violent protests in West Bengal
Demonstrations in West Bengal opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act escalated into violence in areas like Murshidabad and Bhangar in South 24 Parganas. Reports suggest that demonstrators confronted security personnel and ignited police cars. A minimum of three individuals lost their lives.
“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.
Situation has become unstable in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster
The situation in Bangladesh have been unstable since the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. There have been numerous assaults on Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh by extremist Islamists. Approximately 200 temples have suffered vandalism and several priests have been detained.
India has often expressed worries at multiple diplomatic levels regarding the situation of Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has frequently rejected claims of deliberate persecution against minorities. Nevertheless, recent events, such as the vandalism of Hindu temples and assaults during religious celebrations, have sparked strong condemnation from human rights organizations and diaspora groups.
Two districts adjacent to Bangladesh in Bengal have experienced unrest amid demonstrations about the Waqf law, which broadens the government’s authority in overseeing Waqf properties contributed by Muslims.
