Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain acknowledged on Tuesday that instances of violence against minorities have occurred in the country, but dismissed the notion that these incidents are exclusively directed at Hindus. While speaking in New York, Hossain stated, “It is correct that some violence has taken place, but any violence that has taken place is being shown as violence against Hindus, this is not correct…,” according to ANI news agency. He urged the Indian media to re-evaluate its reporting, suggesting that it exaggerates the situation. Hossain reassured that the Bangladesh government is dedicated to the safety of all its citizens, including the Hindu community, which he described as fundamental to the nation’s fabric. “I think the Indian media needs to come out of this hyping of this issue. We are doing everything possible for the protection of our citizens and the Hindus in Bangladesh are our citizens, we are taking care of them…,” he added.
Hossain’s comments follow a surge in reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5. Multiple reports emerged of Hindu temples and businesses being vandalized, and the deaths of two Hindu leaders of the Awami League, according to local media. In response to strong criticism from India, Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government Muhammad Yunus disputed India’s concerns about the violent attacks on Hindus in the country, labeling the issue as “exaggerated.” Yunus attributed the attacks on minorities to political motives, stemming from the perception that most Hindus supported the now-deposed Awami League government. He asserted that the attacks were part of a political backlash and not a communal issue.
In an interview with PTI, Yunus stated, “I have said this to (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi also that this is exaggerated. This issue has several dimensions. When the country went through an upheaval following the atrocities by (Sheikh) Hasina and the Awami League, those who were with them also faced attacks.”
Prior to these remarks, Hossain met with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, stating that they discussed “all the aspects of bilateral relations” between the two nations. These events highlight a complex situation in Bangladesh, with the government seeking to reassure both its own citizens and the international community about its commitment to minority rights, amidst a backdrop of political instability.
