India Urges Bangladesh to Protect Minority Rights Amid Rising Religious Tensions

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India has expressed its expectation that the Bangladeshi government will take decisive action against extremist elements and ensure the safety and protection of its minority populations. The statement follows reports of incidents involving the desecration of Hindu idols and imagery in Bangladesh, which have triggered protests from the minority community.

During a weekly briefing on Tuesday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, addressed queries regarding the situation. Jaiswal confirmed that the Indian government is aware of the reported acts of vandalism and emphasized the necessity for Dhaka to uphold its duty to protect religious minorities and curb communal extremism.

The briefing also addressed the recent visit of Zahed Ur Rahman, an advisor to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, which had been the subject of public speculation. Addressing questions regarding the circumstances of the official’s travel, Jaiswal clarified that the advisor arrived in India on June 14 using a personal passport equipped with a SAARC visa to attend the 28th meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

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Upon his arrival at Delhi airport, the advisor was questioned by immigration authorities as a standard verification measure. According to Jaiswal, once immigration officials confirmed the legitimacy of his visit, the advisor was granted entry into the country. However, the official subsequently chose to return to Dhaka of his own volition.