India on Friday expressed grave concern over what it described as a “disturbing pattern” of recurring attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh, warning that attempts to downplay such incidents risk emboldening perpetrators and deepening insecurity among vulnerable communities.
Responding to continuing violence against Hindu minorities, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had been consistently flagging the issue with Dhaka.
“We continue to witness a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities as well as their homes and businesses by extremists. Such communal incidents need to be dealt with swiftly and firmly,” Jaiswal said.
He added that India had observed a tendency to attribute communal violence to personal rivalries or political differences, an approach that, he said, undermines accountability.
“We have observed a troubling tendency to attribute such incidents to personal rivalries, political differences, or extraneous reasons. Such disregard only emboldens the perpetrators, and deepens the sense of fear and insecurity among minorities,” the MEA spokesperson said.
The remarks come amid growing international concern over attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. British MP Priti Patel has also raised the issue with the UK government, urging stronger diplomatic engagement.
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In a letter to British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Patel said the situation in Bangladesh was “very concerning” and called for urgent steps to protect religious freedoms.
“The situation in Bangladesh is very concerning. Religious freedoms should be protected and the murders of Hindus and persecution taking place are wrong and must stop,” Patel said.
She noted that at least six Hindus had reportedly been killed within an 18-day period, describing the scale of violence as unacceptable. “In recent weeks, there have been reports of at least six Hindus being killed within an 18-day period. This level of persecution and violence is unacceptable,” she wrote.
Patel urged the UK government to use its diplomatic influence to promote stability and safeguard minority rights. “The UK Government must use its influence and convening powers to work to bring about stability in Bangladesh and a future where religious freedoms are protected and Hindus as safe,” she said.
Bangladesh has faced global scrutiny following a spate of violent incidents targeting Hindus, including mob lynchings, killings of shop owners, and attacks on journalists. Several of these cases have drawn widespread condemnation for highlighting what observers describe as a breakdown of law and order and a climate of fear for minority communities.
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