Bangladesh confirms 88 minority attacks amid India’s safety concerns
Bangladesh confirmed 88 incidents of communal violence against minorities, mainly Hindus, following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August. Interim government head Muhammad Yunus’ press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, reported on Tuesday that 70 arrests had been made, with more cases likely as fresh violence emerges in areas like Sunamganj and Gazipur.
India raised concerns a day earlier when Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Bangladeshi leaders during annual consultations in Dhaka. Misri highlighted India’s alarm over the safety of minorities, including attacks on Hindu temples and individuals, urging Bangladesh to ensure their protection.
Alam clarified that while some incidents involved religious minorities, others stemmed from personal disputes or targeted former ruling party members. He emphasized that law enforcement is actively addressing all cases. “Details about post-October 22 incidents will be shared soon,” Alam added.
Misri’s visit comes amid growing tensions in bilateral ties over these attacks and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das. As the first senior Indian official to visit since Bangladesh’s political transition, Misri met key figures, including caretaker administration chief Muhammad Yunus and de facto foreign minister Touhid Hossain.
The spate of violence has strained relations between the neighbors, with New Delhi demanding decisive action to protect minorities and uphold communal harmony.
