• Source:JND
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India on Friday firmly dismissed Bangladesh's remarks on recent violence incidents in West Bengal over the reformed Waqf Bill. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) termed Dhaka's statement as an "unwarranted and disingenuous attempt" to create false parity with India's genuine concerns about minority rights in Bangladesh.

The Bangladeshi government issued a statement earlier urging India to ensure the protection of its Muslim minority, condemning any actions that could undermine their rights in the state. The statement also suggested that the situation reflected a broader issue of the protection of religious minorities in India.

MEA Reacts To Bangladesh's Remarks

The response came after certain Bangladeshi officials expressed concern over the alleged mistreatment of the Muslim minority population in West Bengal, following a series of violent protests linked to the passage of the amended Waqf Bill in the state assembly. “We reject the remarks made by the Bangladesh side about the incidents in West Bengal,” MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement issued on Friday. He also stated, "This is a thinly veiled and dishonest attempt to equate this with India's concern regarding the continued persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, where criminal perpetrators of such acts remain at large."

The Indian government stressed that its grievances regarding attacks on Hindu and other minority groups in Bangladesh are still not addressed. Citing historical incidents of communal riots in Bangladesh, the MEA noted that the criminals involved in such acts have seldom been prosecuted. "Rather than indulging in virtue signaling and making unnecessary remarks, Bangladesh should work towards safeguarding the rights of its minorities," Jaiswal said.

Amended Waqf Bill Fuels Political And Religious Unease In Bengal

The amended Waqf Bill, which aims for increased transparency and accountability in the working of Waqf boards, has triggered protests in some pockets of West Bengal, with certain Muslim groups accusing the amendments of violating their religious rights. Although the Indian government asserts that the protests are being tackled within the domain of law and order, it has staunchly resisted what it perceives as interference from the outside world in its domestic affairs.