India’s fraught ties with Bangladesh appeared to have slipped another notch down, as New Delhi today rejected Dhaka’s remarks over the Murshidabad violence, terming it as a “barely disguised and disingenuous attempt to draw a parallel with India’s concerns over the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh”.
In a strong statement, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, said:
“We reject the remarks made by the Bangladesh 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.
“Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signaling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities.”
The statement comes as Bangladesh Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam “strongly protested” India’s attempt to link Bangladesh with the anti-Waqf Amendment Act violence in Murshidabad.
He also asked India to take steps to “protect the minority Muslim population”.
Murshidabad in West Bengal has witnessed widespread violence and arson over the Waqf Amendment Act, with three people killed so far, and many homes and buildings destroyed. Hundreds of people have fled to the neighbouring areas for safety.
