India has expressed concern over the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh following recent unrest in the country. In a speech in Parliament on Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the worrying trend of minorities, their businesses and temples coming under attack at multiple locations. He stated, “What was particularly worrying was that minorities, their businesses and temples also came under attack at multiple locations. The full extent of this is still not clear.”
Reports have emerged of an ISKCON temple in Meherpur, Bangladesh’s Khulna division, being vandalised and set on fire by protesters on Monday. A viral screengrab of a telegram channel claimed “13 Hindu homes and 3 temples were set on fire”.
West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari raised concerns about the escalating situation, claiming that Hindus were being slaughtered in various parts of Bangladesh amid the ongoing unrest. He warned that over 1 crore refugees could soon enter West Bengal, echoing the influx of refugees during the 1947 partition and the 1971 Liberation War.
The European Union diplomats in Bangladesh expressed “very concerned” about reports of attacks against places of worship and members of religious, ethnic, and other minorities.
In a reassuring move, the Bangladesh Army has taken steps to provide support to minorities. According to Dhaka Tribune, the Army shared contact numbers of personnel whom minorities could reach out to in case of any threat or attack. These numbers were made available for Hindu families and temples, and the Army clarified that the support extends to other denominations facing similar threats.
The released contact numbers are: 1. Dinajpur: Lt Col Raushanul Islam (01769682454), 2. Mymensingh: Capt Faisal (01769208174), 3. Sirajganj: Capt Shudipto (01769510524), 4. Rampura: CO- Lt Col Rehgir Al Shahid (01769053150), 5. Rangpur: Capt Ashraf (01615332446), 6. Rangpur: Capt Maariz (01745207469), 7. Kishoreganj (Bhairab): Capt Raihan (01769202354), Adjt (01769202366), 8. Jessore: Capt Sabbir (01886-910514), 9. Rajbari: Capt Enam (01795-615950), 10. Dhaka (Jatrabari): Capt Hemel (01766162077), 11. Uttara , Airport, Diabari: CO (01769024280), Adjt (01769024284), Capt Sazzad (Parvez) (01769510457), 12. Cox’s Bazar: Capt Muztahid (01769119988), 13. Thakurgaon: Lt Faiz (01769510866), Capt Mohtashim (01769009855), 14. Mirpur Area: Capt Mahomud (01833585736, 01769024256), Adjt (01769024254) For Dhaka 1. Capt Saikat: 017 6951 0515 (Mohammadpur), 2. Capt Ridnan Saleh: +880 16 4196 8237 (Mohammadpur), 3. Capt Ashik: +880 17 3899 8458 (Segunbagicha), 4. Capt Abrar: +880 17 4156 9832 (Uttara), 5. Capt Atahar Ishtiaq: +880 17 6951 1144 (Mirpur), 6. Capt Zarraf: 01708375371 (Stadium, Polton), 7. Capt Nasif: +880 17 6951 0803 (Baridhara), 8. Lt Imrul 81: +880 17 0526 0019 (Agargaon), 9. Adjt 21 Engrs Bn: 01769013094 (Gulshan/Banani), 10. Capt Shihab: 017 6604 7323 (Motijheel, Bangladesh Bank KPI).
