Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Raises Safety Concerns for Minorities in Bangladesh

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Raises Safety Concerns: He consulted the leaders and officials of Bangladesh on December 9, the foreign secretary of India, Vikram Misri with reference of attacks on Hindus. “…I emphasised that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh. I have underlined today India’s desire to work closely with the interim government of Bangladesh Authority…” Misri told reporters here.

“We also discussed recent developments and I conveyed our concerns including those related to the safety and welfare of Hindus.. We also discussed regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural and religious properties,” he added.

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According to Misri, these discussions have provided an opportunity for both India and Bangladesh to take stock of bilateral ties. “I appreciate the opportunity today to have had a frank, candid and constructive exchange of views with all my interlocutors…” he said.

Misri came to the neighbouring nation in connection with the conduct of the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) essentially between him and his counterpart foreign secretary of Bangladesh Jashim Uddin which were held at the State guest house Padma.

Earlier in the day, Misri met with Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain of Bangladesh. This is the first high level visit from India to Bangladesh since Shiekh Hasina was deposed as Prime Minister in August this year and since the the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, assumed office.

There have been numerous attacks, many arson and looting in the victims' homes. The heritage of monuments and deities was also desecrated in Bangladesh. Monuments where such attacks occurred in the past are Murshidabad, Birbhum, and lower districts of Dhaka.

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Arrest of Pandit Chinmoy Krishna Das in Chittagong on October 25 led to protests. India had on November 26 noted with deep concern this arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote.

“This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples,” Ministry of External Affairs had said.

“It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das,” it added.

India had urged Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expressions.

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