India on Friday expressed serious concern over what it described as a “disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities” in Bangladesh, urging Dhaka to take firm and effective action against communal violence. The remarks came amid a spate of reported incidents targeting minority communities, particularly Hindus, across the neighbouring country.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India continues to witness repeated attacks on minorities, their homes, and businesses by extremist elements. He noted that attempts to explain away such violence as outcomes of personal disputes, political rivalry, or unrelated causes only weaken accountability and embolden perpetrators, deepening fear and insecurity among vulnerable communities.
Citing data from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, Jaiswal said at least 51 cases of communal violence were reported in December 2025 alone, including 10 murders. India has earlier highlighted that more than 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities, ranging from killings and arson to land grabs, have been documented during the tenure of Bangladesh’s interim government. These, India stressed, cannot be dismissed as media exaggeration or routine political violence.
The issue has drawn sharper attention following the killing of Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of Bangladesh’s 2024 student uprising, who was shot dead by masked gunmen in Dhaka last month. His death was followed by widespread unrest, with mobs torching offices of major newspapers and cultural organisations in the capital.
Several recent incidents have further fueled concern. These include the alleged gang rape of a Hindu woman in central Bangladesh, multiple cases of lynching of Hindu men over alleged blasphemy or extortion, and brutal mob violence involving public humiliation and arson.
India said it is closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh and reiterated the need for the Yunus-led interim government to ensure the safety and rights of minorities. Bangladesh, for its part, has stated that it remains committed to protecting minority communities.
