‘Bangladesh’s Law & Order Deteriorating’: India Expresses Concerns Over ‘Release Of Extremists’, Violence Against Hindus

Last Updated:March 07, 2025, 19:22 IST

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We remain concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation...We support a stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh...It is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect the Hindus and other minorities, as well as their properties and...Read More

Protesters vandalize the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of the ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, in Dhaka on February 5, 2025. (AP File Photo)

India on Friday expressed concerns over the “deteriorating law and order" situation in Bangladesh, exacerbated by the “release of violent extremists", even as it underscored that it was the responsibility of the country’s interim government to “ensure safety and security of Hindus and other minority communities, as well as their properties and religious institutions".

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a weekly press briefing in the national capital, said, “We remain concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation, further exacerbated by the release of violent extremists who were sentenced for serious crimes."

“We support a stable, peaceful, inclusive and progressive Bangladesh in which all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding inclusive and participatory elections," he said.

A government source told News18 that India is “seriously concerned" about the situation in Bangladesh. “If countries in our neighbourhood descend into chaos, the fallout will eventually affect India," the source said. “People will seek refuge in India, and this realisation has to come through those countries."

The source also expressed optimism about the recent comment made by Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, adding, “We are very upbeat about Yunus’s statement where he said, ‘India, we don’t have a problem, just a misunderstanding.’ Forces hostile to us could play this up, but the MEA should be able to navigate these challenges."

On Protection Of Minorities

Jaiswal pointed out that the police in Bangladesh had verified only 1,254 of over 2,374 reported incidents of violence against minorities from August 5, 2024, to February 16, 2025.

He also noted that 98% of these verified incidents were deemed political in nature, raising concerns about the handling of such cases. “We expect Bangladesh to thoroughly investigate and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson, and violence to justice without making such distinctions," he stressed.

On Ganga Water Treaty Between India & Bangladesh

The MEA spokesperson provided details on the Ganga Water Treaty, stating the 86th meeting of the Joint Committee overseeing it took place on in Kolkata on March 6. This routine technical meeting, scheduled three times a year, is part of the structured mechanism established to ensure the implementation of the treaty signed in 1996, he noted.

“At the meeting, the two sides discussed technical issues pertaining to the Ganga Water Treaty, the measurement of water flows and other issues of mutual interest," Jaiswal said.

On Development Cooperation Between India & Bangladesh

Jaiswal reaffirmed that development cooperation remains a “priority for India" in its relations with Bangladesh, as he acknowledged that the recent security situation and long-standing local issues had affected the progress of some projects.

Jaiswal assured that official discussions are focused on rationalising the project portfolio to ensure the timely execution of mutually agreed-upon initiatives. “Subject to obtaining the committed support and pending clearances from the Bangladesh side, we plan to move forward with these projects," the MEA spokesperson said.

What Is Happening In Bangladesh?

New Delhi’s comments come amid a large-scale protest by members of the banned Hizbut Tahrir group, which saw between 3,000 and 5,000 people marching near the Baitul Mokarram Mosque in Dhaka. The protesters, chanting slogans in favour of establishing a caliphate, were dispersed by police using batons and stun grenades.

Hizbut Tahrir, which seeks the unification of Muslim countries under a single Islamic state governed by Sharia law, was banned in Bangladesh in 2009 for posing a threat to public security.

Bangladesh has been undergoing political turmoil since last August, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee following weeks of student-led protests. The protests, initially about a quota system for government jobs, escalated into a broader challenge to her 15-year rule. In response, an interim government was established under Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus. Since her ousting, Hasina has been in exile in India.

ALSO READ: Is Bangladesh Imploding? The 3 Mistakes By Yunus, Key Players & Where They Stand

(With inputs from agencies)

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