The MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday expressed “deep concern” over incidents targeting minority communities in Bangladesh and called the arrest and denial of bail for Chinmoy Krishna Das, the leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), “unfortunate.” This sparked a verbal spat between India and Bangladesh.
“India has also said to Bangladesh government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities and their places of worship. The primary responsibility for the protection of life of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh,” Singh said in Rajyasabha today.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said earlier, “This incident follows multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. Documented cases of arson, looting of minority homes and businesses, theft, vandalism, and desecration of deities and temples are deeply troubling.
According to the statement, there are several documented instances of theft, vandalism, and destruction of temples and deities, as well as arson and looting of minority houses and businesses. It also denounced Hindu attacks on nonviolent demonstrations. The ministry said that they urge the authorities of Bangladesh to guarantee the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right to peaceful assembly and expression.
