india-denounces-bangladesh-s-remarks-over-bengal-riots

India has strongly rejected Bangladesh’s remarks over the recent violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, terming them “disingenuous” and an attempt to deflect attention from the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh.

 

On Thursday, Bangladesh's chief adviser Muhammad Yunus' press secretary called on Indian authorities to protect minority Muslim communities affected by the violence that broke out in Bengal’s Murshidabad district last week. The violence, related to protests against the Waqf law, resulted in three deaths and hundreds of injuries.

 

In response, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Bangladesh to focus on safeguarding the rights of its own minorities rather than making "unwarranted" comments.

 

"We reject the remarks made by the Bangladeshi side with regard to the incidents in West Bengal. 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," Jaiswal said.

 

"Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signalling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities," he added.

 

The situation in Bangladesh has been tense since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. Radical Islamists have repeatedly targeted Hindus and other minorities, leading to vandalisation of over 200 temples and the arrest of priests.

 

India has consistently raised its concerns over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, while the Bangladesh government has denied such claims. However, recent incidents, including the desecration of Hindu temples and attacks during religious festivals, have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations and diaspora communities.

 

The violence in West Bengal was sparked during protests against the Waqf law, which expands the government's control over Waqf properties donated by Muslims.

 

According to reports, Bangladeshi miscreants were involved in stoking the violence, further complicating the blame game between the BJP and Mamata Banerjee-led Bengal government.