India has strongly rejected remarks by Bangladesh over the violence in West Bengal due to the Waqf law, terming them "disingenuous" and an attempt to divert attention from the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh.
On Thursday, Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus's press secretary called on Indian authorities to protect minority Muslim communities affected by the violence that broke out in Bengal's Murshidabad district last week, killing three people and injuring hundreds.
"We reject the remarks made by the Bangladeshi side with regard to the incidents in West Bengal. This is a barely disguised and disingenuous attempt to draw a parallel with India's concerns over the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh where the criminal perpetrators of such acts continue to roam free," Jaiswal said.
"Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signalling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities," the MEA spokesperson further said.
The situation in Bangladesh has been volatile since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. There have been multiple attacks on Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh by radical Islamists. Around 200 temples have been vandalised and priests have been arrested.
India has frequently raised concerns at various diplomatic levels about the condition of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has often denied allegations of targeted persecution of minorities. However, recent incidents, including the desecration of Hindu temples and attacks during religious festivals, have drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and diaspora communities.
Two districts bordering Bangladesh in Bengal have been rocked by violence during protests over the Waqf law, which expands the government's role in regulating Waqf properties donated by Muslims.
A report submitted to the Home Ministry has revealed that Bangladeshi miscreants stoked the violence, triggering a blamegame between the BJP and the Mamata Banerjee-led Bengal government.
Source: India Today