India has strongly criticized Bangladesh for its recent remarks concerning the communal violence that occurred in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday issued a statement dismissing Dhaka’s comments as “unwarranted” and a form of “virtue signaling,” urging Bangladesh to instead concentrate on safeguarding the rights of its own minority population.
The MEA’s sharp response came after Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor, called upon India and West Bengal to take comprehensive measures to protect the Muslim minority population in the wake of the Murshidabad unrest. Alam had also refuted any suggestion of Bangladeshi involvement in the violence that erupted on April 11.
“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,” stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
He further added, “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 violence in Murshidabad was triggered by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which led to communal clashes across several towns and rural areas, Shafiqul Alam, The unrest resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals and caused widespread property damage, forcing numerous families to flee their homes. Some sought refuge in neighboring Jharkhand, while others were sheltered in relief camps in Malda.
Initial investigations by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reportedly indicated the involvement of alleged Bangladeshi miscreants in the Murshidabad violence. These preliminary findings suggested that while these individuals may have initially received support from local leaders, they eventually became uncontrollable. The MHA has been closely monitoring the situation in Murshidabad and other sensitive districts in West Bengal, with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan assuring the state government of all possible assistance to restore normalcy.
The Calcutta High Court has taken cognizance of the situation and has ordered the continued deployment of central forces in Murshidabad to maintain law and order. The court is also overseeing the rehabilitation efforts for the victims and has directed political parties to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could further exacerbate the situation.
This diplomatic spat comes at a time when India has been increasingly vocal about the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. Last month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Parliament that there were 2,400 instances of atrocities against religious minorities in Bangladesh in 2024 following the onset of political turmoil, with an additional 72 cases reported in 2025 so far.
The relationship between India and Bangladesh has reportedly been strained since the caretaker government assumed office in Dhaka. India has repeatedly urged Bangladesh to ensure the protection of its Hindu minority population and address the issue of persecution.
Bangladesh, however, has denied any involvement in the Murshidabad violence and has instead called on India to ensure the safety and security of its Muslim minority population.
The recent exchange of strong statements highlights the delicate nature of bilateral relations and the sensitivity surrounding issues of communal harmony and minority rights in both nations. While India has firmly rejected Bangladesh’s remarks and called for introspection on its own treatment of minorities, the situation underscores the need for both countries to address these complex issues with sensitivity and ensure the protection of all their citizens. The focus now remains on restoring peace and ensuring justice for the victims of the Murshidabad violence, while also keeping a close watch on the broader implications for India-Bangladesh relations.
