India Flags 'Disturbing Pattern' Of Attacks On Bangladeshi Hindus; UK's Priti Patel Expresses Alarm

Last Updated:January 09, 2026, 16:29 IST

India criticised the attribution of attacks on Bangladeshi minorities to personal rivalries and political differences, saying it emboldens the perpetrators.

Several Bangladeshi Hindus came under attack as violent protests broke out across the country in December. (Image: AFP)

India on Friday highlighted a “disturbing pattern" of recurring attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, and stressed that such communal incidents should be dealt with swiftly and firmly.

Amid continuing attacks against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We continue to witness a disturbing pattern of recurring attacks on minorities as well as their homes and businesses by extremists. Such communal incidents need to be dealt with swiftly and firmly."

“We have observed a troubling tendency to attribute such incidents to personal rivalries, political differences, or extraneous reasons. Such disregard only emboldens the perpetrators, and deepens the sense of fear and insecurity among minorities," he added.

ALSO READ: Dipu Das Lynching: Bangladesh Police Arrest Key Accused Who Allegedly Incited Mob

Priti Patel Writes To UK Foreign Secretary

Meanwhile, UK MP Priti Patel has written a letter to British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, calling on the UK to use its influence and convening powers to bring stability in the country.

“The situation in Bangladesh is very concerning. Religious freedoms should be protected and the murders of Hindus and persecution taking place are wrong and must stop," Patel said, expressing concern over increasing religious violence and persecution in Bangladesh.

“In recent weeks, there have been reports of at least six Hindus being killed within an 18-day period. This level of persecution and violence is unacceptable," she wrote in her letter. “The UK Government must use its influence and convening powers to work to bring about stability in Bangladesh and a future where religious freedoms are protected and Hindus as safe."

She also asked the Foreign Secretary about the steps taken by the UK to raise the matter with authorities in Bangladesh and the assurances received about action taken to protect Hindu communities from violence and attacks.

Attacks On Bangladeshi Hindus

Bangladesh has come under global scrutiny following widespread protests after the murder of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which were followed by violent attacks on Hindus. A young factory worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched by a mob and his body was set on fire in an alarming display of lawlessness and mobocracy in the country.

This week, a Hindu grocery shop owner and a journalist were killed in Bangladesh within a 24-hour period. Sarat Chakraborty Mani was running his grocery shop as usual at Charsindur Bazaar in Palash upazila of Narsingdi district when unidentified assailants suddenly attacked him with sharp weapons.

Rana Pratap (45), a journalist, was shot multiple times by unidentified attackers on Monday while he was at the market. He died on the spot.

On December 31, Hindu businessman Khokon Chandra Das was stabbed and set on fire by a mob in Shariatpur district. He escaped the attack by jumping in a pond but later died from burn injuries in hospital.

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