2,200 cases of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, 112 in Pakistan: Government

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News Mania Desk / Piyal Chatterjee / 20th December 2024

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday that up to 2,200 incidences of violence against Hindus occurred in Bangladesh in 2024, particularly after the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League administration collapsed in the neighboring nation. The ministry added that 112 such instances were reported in Pakistan over the same time period.

MEA submitted the statistics in Rajya Sabha, stating that it has written to both Bangladesh and Pakistan, requesting that their governments safeguard the safety, security, and well-being of Hindus in both countries.

“The government has taken serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh. India’s expectation is that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities,” a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs stated.

“The Government of India raises the issue of violence against minority communities through diplomatic channels and has urged the Government of 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 an appropriate international forum,” the statement added.

In Pakistan, 241 incidences of atrocities against Hindus were documented in 2022, 103 in 2023, and 112 in 2024 (as of October), according to statistics. The administration also stated that no incidences of violence against Hindus had been reported in any surrounding countries save Bangladesh and Pakistan. “Cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in other neighbouring countries (except Pakistan and Bangladesh) – NIL,” the headline stated.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh gave the information in a written response to a query in Rajya Sabha, citing data from minority and human rights organisations. The Union minister in his response also said 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.

Relations between India and Bangladesh deteriorated significantly when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country in August due to widespread anti-government riots. Following Hasina’s flight to India, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus took over control.