The United States has called for India and Bangladesh to resolve their differences peacefully, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miler. Speaking at his daily news conference on Tuesday, Miler emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution in light of the recent visit by India’s Foreign Secretary to Bangladesh.
India’s Concerns Over Minority Safety
During his visit earlier this week, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed New Delhi’s concerns over the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh. Misri highlighted India’s desire to work closely with Bangladesh’s interim government while addressing recent developments and issues, particularly those related to minority welfare.
Bangladesh acknowledged on Tuesday that 88 incidents of communal violence against minorities, primarily Hindus, occurred following the ouster of then-premier Sheikh Hasina in August. Interim government head Muhammad Yunus’ press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, reported that 70 people had been arrested in connection with these incidents. Alam also noted that the number of cases and arrests might increase as new incidents of violence were reported in various areas, including Sunamganj and Gazipur.
The government has maintained that, apart from a few incidents, Hindus were not targeted because of their faith. However, India has consistently urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindus in the country. Protests have erupted across India against the ongoing atrocities.
Why are ties in freefall?
India-Bangladesh relations have been strained since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India after her removal in a student-led uprising in August. Diplomatic tensions have intensified recently, with both nations trading accusations of ill-treatment of the Hindu minority. The situation worsened after Bangladeshi authorities arrested Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges on November 26, sparking protests across several places in India. On December 9, a Bangladeshi mission in Agartala, Tripura, was attacked, prompting a strong reaction from Dhaka.
The following day, Dhaka summoned the Indian envoy in Bangladesh, condemning the attack and calling for an investigation. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, in its condemnation.
Minorities, particularly Hindus, who make up 10 percent of Bangladesh’s 170-million population, have faced increased attacks since Hasina’s removal. India has expressed concern over the rise in extremist rhetoric and violence against minorities. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s stance on December 6, urging the interim government to protect all minorities.
In contrast, Dhaka has accused New Delhi of exaggerating the attacks. Speaking to an Indian channel on December 7, Shafiqul Alam claimed that Hindus were more protected now than during Hasina’s government. Professor Yunus emphasized the importance of close relations between the two countries, highlighting the need for cooperation in areas such as economics, security, and water management. He stressed the necessity of maintaining good relations and using all available means to advance mutual interests.
