“Protect rights of own minorities…”: India Rebuts Bangladesh's Remarks on Murshidabad Violence

India on Friday issued a sharp rebuttal to Bangladesh’s remarks regarding the recent violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, which erupted following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly criticised the comments made by Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Mohammed Yunus, who had denied any involvement of Bangladeshi nationals in the unrest and called on India to safeguard its minority Muslim communities.

“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 Randhir Jaiswal,Spokesperson, MEA.

The Indian government accused Dhaka of attempting to deflect criticism. “Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signalling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities,” the MEA asserted.

The diplomatic exchange was sparked on Thursday when Shafiqul Alam, a senior official in the interim Bangladeshi administration publicly denied allegations that Bangladeshi citizens were involved in the Murshidabad violence. “We condemn attacks on Muslims causing loss of lives and properties. We urge the Government of India and West Bengal to take all steps to fully protect the minority Muslim population,” Mr Alam said in a statement published on his social media platforms. His remarks came amid heightened tensions following widespread unrest across West Bengal districts, including Murshidabad, where protests over the Waqf Act led to incidents of arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades.

India’s response also highlighted a long-standing concern over the treatment of minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly following the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on 5 August 2024. Since then, New Delhi has repeatedly flagged incidents of alleged violence and intimidation targeting religious minorities in Bangladesh. The MEA's Friday statement pointed to what it described as ongoing “persecution” and the lack of accountability for those responsible.

Bangladesh, however, has pushed back against these accusations. Officials in Dhaka have maintained that the post-Hasina violence is not solely rooted in communal hatred.