NEW DELHI: The government of India on Friday told the Parliament that a total of 2,200 cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh were reported this year till December 8. Minister of state for external affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in his written response to a query in Rajya Sabha expressed India’s expectation to Bangladesh that it will take necessary actions to ensure the safety of minorities.
Citing data from minority and human rights organisations, the MoS said that in Pakistan the the number of cases stood at 112 til October 2024.
In 2022, the figures were 47 in Bangladesh and 241 in Pakistan. Meanwhile, in 2023, the figures were – 302 in Bangladesh and 103 in Pakistan.
He said that New Delhi has “Pakistan to take steps to prevent religious intolerance, sectarian violence, systemic persecution and attacks on minority communities and ensure their safety, security, and well-being.”
“India continues to highlight the plight of minorities in Pakistan at appropriate international fora,” he added.
The minister further asserted that the cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in other neighbouring countries except Pakistan and Bangladesh are “nil”.
Singh’s response came after he was asked about the cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities and steps taken by the ministry.
He said that the “government has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the government of Bangladesh.”
“India’s expectation is that Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities. The same was also reiterated during the visit of the Foreign Secretary to Bangladesh on December 9, 2024,” he added.
On Bangladesh unrest, the MoS said that the High Commission of India in Dhaka “continues to monitor the situation” related to the minorities in Bangladesh “closely”.
“The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens, including minorities, rests with the government of the country concerned,” he said.