Incidents of violence and incitement are increasing in Bangladesh and cannot be dismissed as media exaggeration, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has commented. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made this comment at the weekly media briefing in New Delhi today.
He hoped for fair and just justice for former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, arrested on charges of sedition in Bangladesh.
Responding to a question, Randhir Jaiswal said, 'We (in Bangladesh) are concerned about the growing extremism, violence and incitement. It cannot be dismissed as mere media exaggeration.'
He said, 'India once again urges the interim government of Bangladesh to take all measures for the protection of minorities.'
When asked about India's stance on minority issues in Bangladesh, Jaiswal said, 'The issue of threats and attacks on Hindus and other minorities has been strongly raised by the Indian government regularly with the Bangladesh government. It is a matter of concern. Our position on this is very clear. The interim government must take responsibility for the protection of all minorities.'
Regarding the case against Chinmoy Krishna Das, the spokesperson said, 'It is a legal process. We hope that this process will be fair and transparent with full respect for the legal rights of those concerned.'
In response to a question about ISKCON, Jaiswal said, 'ISCON has a global reputation as a social service organization. We see them that way.'
He said, 'India has made its position clear enough about the situation of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. We presented it to Bangladesh and said they must take responsibility for the security of minorities and protect their interests.'
Responding to a question about the possibility of a foreign secretary-level meeting between India and Bangladesh, Randhir Jaiswal said, 'We will let you know when it happens.'
Meanwhile, India's Ministry of External Affairs will brief India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on the situation in Bangladesh on December 11. Standing Committee chief Shashi Tharoor said this on Thursday.
Shashi Tharoor while talking to reporters yesterday about the situation in Bangladesh said, 'It seems very serious and worrying. All citizens of India are concerned about this because we care about the welfare of our neighboring countries.'
