'Responsibility Of Every Govt': India Hopes For Early Restoration Of Law & Order In Bangladesh

Amid widespread violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly targeting Hindus, India on Thursday expressed its hope for the swift restoration of law and order in the country following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Since her departure, reports indicate that hundreds of Hindu homes, businesses, and temples have been vandalised, raising concerns about the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. As an interim government takes charge in Dhaka, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a weekly press conference, stressed the responsibility of governments to protect all citizens.

On the attack on minorities in Bangladesh, Jaiswal said, the External Affairs Minister addressed this issue in his suo motu statement. “We are also monitoring the situation regarding the status of the minorities,” he said. “It is the responsibility of every government to ensure the well-being of all its citizens. We hope for the early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh. This is in the interest of both the country itself and the region as a whole,” he added.

Jaiswal’s remarks came in light of the violence that erupted shortly before Hasina’s resignation, with the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) reporting that 200-300 mainly Hindu properties were damaged and 15-20 temples vandalised since Monday. The unrest follows a period of significant political turmoil, with protests against Hasina’s government leading to her fleeing the country.

The BHBCUC noted that up to 40 individuals were injured during these incidents, although no fatalities were reported. The general secretary of the council, Rana Dasgupta, highlighted the targeting of minority communities, stating, “Although there is no killing, there is injury. Houses and businesses of minorities, especially Hindus, as well as temples, have been targeted, looted, damaged”.

(With agency inputs)