New Delhi has shared concerns with Dhaka over rising attacks on Hindus in Muslim-majority B'desh: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Nov 29 said that the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government is responsible for protecting Bangladesh citizens, including its minorities and India has taken a serious note of violence against minorities especially Hindus in the Muslim-majority neighboring country in recent times.

Jaishankar’s statement comes amid a rise in violent activities against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

"India has taken a serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the government of Bangladesh," Jaishankar said in response to a question in the Lok Sabha.

“The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the government of that country," he added.

He said that the government has seen several reports of incidents of violence against Hindus, in temples, puja mandaps, and other minorities since August 2024, when Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee Bangladesh.

“Government of Bangladesh had issued instructions for providing special security including deployment of Army and Border Guards to ensure peaceful celebrations of Durga Puja," he added.

He said that the High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to monitor the situation related to the minorities in Bangladesh closely.

The response by Jaishankar also comes amid protests and unrest in Bangladesh over the arrest of the former priest of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, on sedition charges.

Das is accused of hoisting a saffron flag above the Bangladesh national flag during a rally in October.

Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Nov 29 said that cases against individuals and legal processes are underway.

"As far as the arrest of Chinmoy Das is concerned, we have made our statement on that... Cases against individuals and legal processes are underway. We hope and expect that these processes will be dealt with in a fair, just and transparent manner ensuring full respect for these individuals and all those who are concerned...," Jaiswal told reporters.

He added, "We are concerned about the surge of extremist rhetoric. Increasing incidents of violence and provocation cannot be dismissed merely as media exaggerations. We call upon Bangladesh to take steps for the protection of minorities..."

Many political leaders in India, including those in the Opposition have voiced concern over the arrest of Das and urged the Narendra Modi-led union government to intervene in the matter.

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina in a statement also condemned the the arrest of Hindu priest, Das, saying he was "unjustly arrested" and must immediately be released.

Hasina called upon the Bangladesh government to protect religious and ethnic minorities that have braved violence since her ouster from power in August.