India slams mob killings of Hindu men in Bangladesh, raises alarm over minority safety
PTC Web Desk: India has expressed serious concern over the killing of two Hindu men in separate mob violence incidents in Bangladesh, saying the developments highlight persistent vulnerabilities faced by minority communities in the country.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said New Delhi was closely tracking the situation and underscored the need for accountability in cases involving communal violence. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has consistently flagged the issue of minority safety and expects credible investigations into recent incidents.
Indian officials said attacks targeting minority groups have continued despite assurances from Dhaka. According to figures cited by the MEA, thousands of incidents involving minority communities have been recorded since Bangladesh’s interim administration assumed office. The remarks come in the wake of two killings reported earlier this month.
In Rajbari district, a 30-year-old Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, also known as Samrat, died after being assaulted by local residents late Wednesday. The police said the violence followed allegations that Mondal was involved in extortion activities. Investigators stated that the man had multiple criminal cases registered against him and was believed to be heading a local group accused of intimidating villagers for money.
According to police accounts, the confrontation began after Mondal and his aides allegedly went to a local resident’s house to demand payment. When the family raised an alarm, villagers gathered and attacked him. He was later taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The incident followed another case of mob violence in Mymensingh district, where 27-year-old garment factory worker Dipu Chandra Das was killed after a crowd accused him of blasphemy. The police said the allegations were not verified and that his body was later recovered after being tied to a tree and set on fire.
Bangladesh’s interim administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, condemned the Mymensingh killing and said mob violence and communal hatred would not be tolerated. Authorities there have said legal action would be taken against those responsible.
Both incidents occurred amid heightened unrest in Bangladesh following the death of political activist Sharif Osman Hadi. His death sparked protests, vandalism and attacks on political and diplomatic properties in several parts of the country.
Commenting on the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman, the MEA said India supports democratic processes in Bangladesh and hopes that forthcoming elections will be conducted in a free and inclusive manner. Jaiswal said India is monitoring political developments closely.
Rahman, the son of former PM Khaleda Zia, returned to Bangladesh this week after nearly 20 years abroad, ahead of the February elections that are expected to play a decisive role in the country’s political future.
India has reiterated the importance of stability during the transition period and said it is keeping a watch on developments involving political groups that have regained prominence following the exit of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Officials have also noted concern over increasing anti-India rhetoric during the interim phase.
- With inputs from agencies
