Bangladesh Rejects Indian Spokesperson’s Remarks on Minority Situation

Bangladesh has rejected recent comments made by the spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding the situation of minority communities in Bangladesh, describing the remarks as “motivated” and misleading.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, S. M. Mahbubul Alam, urged various quarters in India to refrain from spreading what he termed as misleading narratives on minority issues in Bangladesh.

The statement said the comments by the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson misrepresented Bangladesh’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony. It added that the Government of Bangladesh firmly rejects any inaccurate, exaggerated, or motivated statements that distort the country’s actual situation.

Expressing concern, the foreign ministry noted that certain groups are deliberately attempting to portray isolated criminal incidents as systematic persecution of the Hindu community. It said such incidents are being used to incite anti-Bangladesh sentiment in different parts of India, with Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions and other establishments also being targeted.

The statement further clarified that in one of the incidents cited by the Indian side, the individual involved was a listed criminal who died during an extortion-related incident. His Muslim associate was later arrested. Presenting this criminal incident as an example of minority oppression is completely misleading and contrary to facts, the ministry said.

Calling for restraint, the Government of Bangladesh urged concerned Indian quarters to avoid spreading misinformation and propaganda, warning that such actions undermine the spirit of good neighbourly relations and mutual trust between the two countries.