The External Affairs Ministry has said that the government has taken serious note of the incidents related to the cases of violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and shared its concerns with the government of that country.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh today said that India’s expectation is that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities. He added that the same has also been reiterated during the visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Bangladesh on the 9th of this month. Mr. Singh added that the High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to monitor the situation related to the minorities in Bangladesh closely.

With regard to the cases of violence against minority communities in Pakistan, the minister said that the government of India raises the issue of violence through diplomatic channels. It has urged the government of Pakistan to take steps to prevent religious intolerance, sectarian violence, systemic persecution, and attacks on minority communities and ensure their safety, security, and well-being. Mr. Singh said India continues to highlight the plight of minorities in Pakistan at appropriate international fora.

He informed the House that the primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens, including minorities, rests with the government of the country concerned. As per available data from minority and human rights organisations, a total of 2,549 cases of violence have been reported in Bangladesh from 2022 to the 8th of December, 2024, while in Pakistan, 456 such cases were reported from 2022 to October of this year. He also said no case of violence against Hindus and other minorities has been reported in other neighbouring countries except Pakistan and Bangladesh.