India has lodged a formal protest with Bangladesh over comments made by Mahfuj Alam, an aide to Bangladesh's interim chief advisor, Muhammad Yunus. In a now-deleted Facebook post, Alam had suggested India should acknowledge the uprising that resulted in the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), confirmed the protest, noting that the contentious post had been removed. He underscored the need for caution in public statements and reiterated India’s commitment to fostering strong ties with Bangladesh. Jaiswal highlighted the importance of responsible discourse, particularly during sensitive political transitions in Bangladesh.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have strained since Sheikh Hasina's ouster and subsequent escape to India. India's concerns have grown over incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus. These tensions were exacerbated following the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was accused of insulting the Bangladeshi flag during a protest against the Yunus-led government. Videos circulating online showed police clashing with members of the Hindu community, raising further alarm in India.
The MEA disclosed in a Rajya Sabha submission that there were 2,200 reported cases of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh in 2024, particularly after the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government. This included attacks on Hindu temples and other forms of communal violence. In the same period, 112 similar cases were reported in Pakistan. The Indian government has formally written to both countries, urging them to ensure the safety and security of their Hindu communities.
The escalating violence and contentious remarks have added pressure on bilateral relations, with India continuing to monitor the situation closely while advocating for the protection of minorities in the region.
