Properties torched, minorities targeted in Bangladesh: EAM

Properties of individuals associated with the regime were torched across the country. What was particularly worrying was that minorities, their businesses, and temples also came under attack at multiple locations - S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister

New Delhi: Making a suo-moto statement in the Rajya Sabha on the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed India’s deep concern over the attacks on minorities, their businesses, and temples at “multiple locations” in the neighbouring country.

Jaishankar’s remarks came a day after Sheikh Hasina resigned as the Prime Minister and reached India following massive violence in Dhaka and several other parts of Bangladesh.

“Properties of individuals associated with the regime were torched across the country. 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,” the EAM said while detailing the events since August 4 when things took a “very serious turn” in Bangladesh.

Asserting that the Indian government remains in “regular touch” with the authorities in Dhaka, Jaishankar said that New Delhi expects the host government to provide required security protection to Indian establishments in Bangladesh besides ensuring the protection and well-being of the minorities.

Apprising the House about the recent developments pertaining to Bangladesh, the EAM highlighted that the India-Bangladesh relations have been “exceptionally close” for many decades and over many governments, and New Delhi is looking forward to “normal functioning” once the situation stabilises.

Terming it a “sensitive issue”, he also sought the understanding and support of the House members with regard to an “important neighbour”, on which, he said there has always been a “strong national consensus”.

The EAM made it clear that concerns about the recent violence and instability in Bangladesh are shared across the political spectrum.

“Since the elections in January 2024, there has been considerable tension, deep divides, and growing polarisation in Bangladesh politics. This underlying foundation aggravated a student agitation that started in June this year.