New Delhi (TIP)- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, December 20, revealed that as many as 2,200 cases of violence against Hindus took place in Bangladesh in the year 2024, especially after the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government collapsed in the neighbouring country. The government noted that 112 such cases were also reported in Pakistan during the same period.
Submitting the data in Rajya Sabha, MEA said that it has written to both Bangladesh and Pakistan, asking the respective governments to ensure safety, security and well-being of Hindus in their countries.
“The government has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh. India‘s expectation is that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities,” a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
“The Government of India raises the issue of violence against minority communities through diplomatic channels and has urged the Government of Pakistan to take steps to prevent religious intolerance, sectarian violence, systemic persecution and attacks on minority communities and ensure their safety, security, and well-being. India continues to highlight the plight of minorities in Pakistan at an appropriate international forum,” the statement added. As per the data shared, 47 incidents of violence against Hindus were reported in Bangladesh in the year 2022, 302 in 2023 and surged to 2,200 in 2024 (till December 8, 2024).
In Pakistan, 241 cases of atrocities against Hindus were reported in 2022, 103 in 2023 and 112 in 2024 (till October), the data added.
The government also noted that no cases of violence against Hindus were reported in any neighbouring countries other than Bangladesh and Pakistan.
“Cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in other neighbouring countries (except Pakistan and Bangladesh) – NIL,” it read.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh gave the information in a written response to a query in Rajya Sabha, citing data from minority and human rights organisations.
The Union minister in his response also said the “government has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the government of Bangladesh”.
“India’s expectation is that Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities. The same was also reiterated during the visit of the Foreign Secretary to Bangladesh on December 9, 2024,” he added.
Relations between India and Bangladesh faced significant tension following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was compelled to leave the country amidst large-scale anti-government protests in August. Days later, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed power after Hasina sought refuge in India.