The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India on Friday issued a strong statement, once again pressing Bangladesh over the alarming and recurring attacks on minority communities within its borders. The Indian government demanded strict and decisive action against those responsible for the violence.
MEA Condemns Pattern of Violence
In a stern briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep concern over a disturbing pattern of targeted assaults. "We have repeatedly addressed this issue in earlier briefings and continue to see a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities, their homes, and businesses by extremists in Bangladesh," Jaiswal stated. He emphasized that attempts to label these grave incidents as mere personal or political disputes are counterproductive and dangerous.
"These communal incidents must be dealt with swiftly and firmly. Attempts to dismiss them as personal or political disputes only embolden perpetrators and deepen fear and insecurity among minorities," the spokesperson added, underscoring the urgent need for accountability.
Disturbing Statistics and Recent Cases
The diplomatic push from New Delhi comes against the backdrop of grim statistics. According to data from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), the reported cases of communal violence in December 2025 alone have risen to 51. This shocking figure includes 10 murders, painting a picture of a severe crisis.
The violence has continued unabated into the new year. Earlier this week, a 25-year-old Hindu man lost his life in northwestern Bangladesh after jumping into a canal to escape a mob that had accused him of theft. In a related development, police have detained former madrasa teacher Yasin Arafat, identified as the main suspect in the murder of Hindu worker Dipu Chandra Das on December 18.
A Wave of Targeted Killings
The minority community, particularly Hindus, has faced a relentless wave of attacks following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi in December. The list of victims is long and heartbreaking:
- Moni Chakraborty, a 40-year-old grocery shop owner, was hacked to death by unidentified assailants at Charsindhur Bazar in Palash Upazila on the night of January 5.
- On the same day, Rana Pratap Bairagi, 38, an ice factory owner and acting editor of the Narail-based newspaper Dainik BD Khabar, was shot in the head and killed in Jessore district.
- In a particularly brutal incident, 50-year-old Khokon Chandra Das was assaulted, hacked, and set on fire while returning home after closing his shop on December 31. He later died from his injuries in hospital on January 3.
These incidents highlight a climate of extreme fear and insecurity for religious minorities in Bangladesh, prompting India's firm diplomatic intervention.
