India’s Ministry of External Affairs has sharply rejected Bangladesh’s protest over recent communal violence in West Bengal, accusing Dhaka of attempting to deflect from its own record on minority rights.
The diplomatic exchange comes after Bangladesh strongly objected to alleged attempts by Indian authorities to implicate Bangladeshi nationals in the unrest that erupted last week in the Muslim-majority Murshidabad district during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
“We reject the remarks made by the Bangladesh side with regard to the incidents in West Bengal. This is a barely disguised and disingenuous attempt to draw a parallel with India's concerns over the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, where the criminal perpetrators of such acts continue to roam free,” said Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a statement posted on the ministry's verified Facebook page on 18 April.
“Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signalling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities,” he added.
Tensions rose after India’s Ministry of Home Affairs reportedly indicated, in preliminary findings, the possible involvement of Bangladeshi elements in the Murshidabad unrest, which also spread to Malda, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly. Indian media reports describe widespread arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades in affected areas.
In response, Bangladesh’s interim government issued a firm rebuttal. “We strongly refute any attempts to implicate Bangladesh in the communal violence in Murshidabad,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told BSS during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on 17 April.
He condemned the attacks on Muslims in West Bengal, highlighting the loss of lives and property, and urged Indian authorities to ensure the safety and rights of the minority Muslim population.
Meanwhile, West Bengal police confirmed on 17 April that 60 First Information Reports have been filed in connection with the Murshidabad violence. The number of arrests has risen to 274, according to The Hindu.
Additional Director General of Police (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar stated that a Special Investigation Team has been formed under the supervision of Syed Waquar Raza, DIG of Murshidabad range. Sarkar confirmed the arrest of the prime suspect in the killing of two members of the same family, Haragobind Das and Chandan Das. The accused, Inzamul Haque, had reportedly been on the run and is now expected to be produced before court.
Police said efforts are underway to identify all individuals directly or indirectly involved in the killings, and that none would be spared. Authorities also reported that 70% of shops in the affected areas have reopened, and 85 displaced residents have returned home.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has meanwhile lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, blaming them for stoking communal tensions in the state.
