Protection of minorities is Bangladesh government's primary responsibility: Indian state minister

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated that ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, including minorities, in Bangladesh is the primary responsibility of its government.

Responding to a written question in India's Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said: “The primary responsibility for protecting the life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh.”

The statement came in response to a query by Amarendra Dhari Singh, a Rajya Sabha member from Bihar representing the Rashtriya Janata Dal, who sought details on whether incidents of desecration and damage to Hindu temples and deities in Bangladesh have increased, whether the Indian government has raised the issue with the neighbouring country, and the response from Dhaka.

In his reply, Kirti acknowledged reports of several incidents of desecration and damages to Hindu temples and deities in Bangladesh in recent months.

“The Government of India has expressed its concerns over these incidents, including the attack on a Puja mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and the theft at the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira during Durga Puja 2024,” he said.

The Indian government has also urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities and to protect their places of worship.