Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
The tensions surrounding so-called attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh are not primarily a minority issue but rather a reflection of the recent political shifts in the country, experts have stated.
The core concern, they argue, lies in the ongoing repercussions of the regime change, which India has struggled to reconcile.
Following the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government, the Indian government, media, and certain Hindu extremist groups have raised concerns about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh.
They have accused the interim government, led by Dr Yunus, of failing to protect the community.
Despite these allegations, the interim government has repeatedly invited Indian media to visit Bangladesh and assess the situation firsthand, rather than relying on misinformation.
Former diplomats and international analysts have called on both India and Bangladesh to engage in dialogue to de-escalate the situation.
They also point out that if this were purely a minority issue, neighbouring Nepal-a Hindu-majority state-would have responded, yet it has remained silent. Instead, some violent groups in India and certain politicians are framing the situation as religious persecution.
Amena Mohsin, a Professor in the Department of International Relations at Dhaka University, stated: “This is not primarily a minority issue. It is a matter of regime change.
ndia is struggling to accept the change in leadership here.” She added: “Even the media and extremist groups are spreading misinformation about attacks on minorities, much of which has been proven false.”
Following the vandalism at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura on Monday, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Indian High Commissioner, Pranay Verma, on Tuesday to seek an explanation.
After a meeting with Acting Foreign Secretary Riaz Hamidullah, Verma addressed journalists, emphasising the broader scope of bilateral relations:
“We have a multifaceted relationship. We cannot reduce it to a single issue,” he said. “We genuinely seek a constructive and stable relationship.
There are many issues involved, and there is mutual dependence in several areas. We want to leverage this interdependence for the benefit of both sides.”
Meanwhile, former Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad told the New Nation, “The Indian government should mitigate the media and public hysteria regarding alleged minority attacks in Bangladesh. Maintaining warm and amicable relations is far more important.”
He continued, “Both sides should meet immediately to address the underlying issues rather than complicating matters with inflammatory rhetoric over minority concerns.”
Imtiaz Ahmed, Professor of International Relations at Dhaka University, urged the Bangladesh government to refute the misinformation circulating in Indian media.
He also recommended inviting media outlets from India, Europe, and the US to observe the situation firsthand. “The government may also involve think tanks and experts to engage with the Indian side and clarify the situation,” he added. In response to the vandalism, Tripura Police arrested seven individuals and suspended four officers for negligence.
Three officers have been identified as Sub-Inspectors Dilu Jamatia and Joynal Hossain, and Sergeant Debabrata Sinha. A DSP-level officer from the SP (Security) office has also been withdrawn from duty. A senior Indian police official reported that a case had been filed in this connection.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry described the attack on its mission as premeditated and a violation of the Vienna Convention. Consequently, the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala has suspended all visa and consular services on security ground until further notice.
Meanwhile, hotel owners in Tripura announced for a temporary suspension of services to Bangladeshi tourists. Stakeholders warn that such measures convey an unfriendly attitude towards the Bangladeshi people. India has bolstered security along eight districts of the West Bengal-Bangladesh border and increased surveillance amid this situation.
In Dhaka, additional security was deployed around the Indian High Commission while protests erupted in Dhaka and Khulna over the Agartala attack. Speech of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suggesting the deployment of peacekeepers in Bangladesh has also fueled the current situation.
Imtiaz Ahmed commented: “She is seeking political gain in her country. Both countries need dialogue to resolve these matters for peaceful coexistence.” The recent incidents have also sparked political debate in India. Historian Irfan Habib accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of “undermining the unity and integrity” of the country.
