GUWAHATI: India has firmly rejected comments made by Bangladesh officials concerning recent unrest in West Bengal, describing the remarks as a calculated attempt to deflect from Dhaka’s own record on minority rights. Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday, April 18, dismissed the statements issued by Bangladesh authorities as misleading and unhelpful.
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The spokesperson accused Dhaka of engaging in virtue signalling while ignoring the ongoing persecution of minorities within its own borders. “ Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signaling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities.” he stated.
The diplomatic exchange follows a statement made by Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to Bangladesh’s chief adviser Muhammad Yunus. Alam called on Indian authorities to ensure the safety of Muslim minorities in West Bengal, referring to violence that erupted last week in Murshidabad district. The clashes claimed at least three lives and left hundreds injured.
The unrest coincided with protests in two districts bordering Bangladesh, linked to opposition against the Waqf law. The legislation increases government oversight of Waqf properties—assets donated by Muslims for religious or charitable use.
A report recently submitted to India’s Home Ministry has suggested the involvement of Bangladeshi elements in fuelling the violence, triggering a political confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party.