The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday firmly rejected Bangladesh’s remarks regarding the recent violence in West Bengal, calling them unwarranted and misleading.
The comments from Dhaka followed protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, during which Bangladesh urged Indian authorities to ensure the safety of the minority Muslim population in the state.
In a strong rebuttal, the MEA advised Bangladesh to focus on its own human rights situation rather than commenting on India’s internal affairs.
Responding to media queries about statements made by Bangladeshi officials, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “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.”
“Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signalling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its minorities,” the statement added.
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal, where protests erupted against the new legislation.
The unrest led to isolated incidents of violence, prompting a political war of words and drawing international attention.
Bangladesh’s call for the protection of minorities in India was met with criticism from Indian authorities, who described the move as an attempt to deflect from ongoing human rights issues in Bangladesh itself, particularly those involving religious minorities.
-IANS