• Source:JND
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Amid the ongoing attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, its Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain on Monday emphasised the stance of the current interim government, stating that it opposes communalism. He also stated that Bangladesh want a "normal and friendly" relationship with India.

"We want to keep a normal relation with India based on mutual interests. We are not saying that there are no such incidents of attacks on minorities, but those are isolated and happen more or less during all regimes," Touhid was quoted as saying by Bangladeshi news outlet The Daily Star.

He also responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks, in which she suggested the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force in Bangladesh and sought intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to guarantee the safety and security of religious minorities there.

"I would like to see this as Mamata-like remarks. I don’t understand why she has made such remarks. (It is) as usual that goes with her persona," Touhid added.

Meanwhile, India on Monday decided to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and its other diplomatic premises in the country following an incident earlier in the day involving the breach of Bangladesh Assistant High Commission premises in Agartala.

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In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "The breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable. Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances."

The MEA added, "Government is taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country."

India-Bangladesh ties have severed after the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, assumed power following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August.

Notably, Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in violent attacks against Hindus and other minority groups, prompting calls for greater protection and support. The situation in Bangladesh has been tense after the arrest of a former priest Chinmoy Krishna Das over sedition charges and for allegedly hoisting a saffron flag above Bangladesh's national flag in Chittagong on October 25.