Independent sources & Assam Chief challenged Indian media’s claim of mass violence against minorities
Special Report :
During his visit to the United States, India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi underscored the importance of the relationship between the people of India and Bangladesh, expressing optimism that stability will soon return to the neighboring country. In discussions with American lawmakers at the US Capitol, the situation in Bangladesh was a key point of focus.
At a press conference held at the National Press Club in Washington, Gandhi affirmed his commitment to fostering strong ties between India and Bangladesh, regardless of any changes in the political landscape. “I’m confident that things will stabilize in Bangladesh, and we will maintain strong ties with the current government or any future government,” he stated, emphasizing the enduring connection between the two nations.
Gandhi also addressed the ongoing violence in Bangladesh, calling for an immediate end to the unrest. “We raised the issue of Bangladesh, and they spoke to us about it as well. We are against any form of violence, and we want it to stop. It is the responsibility of the Bangladeshi government to put an end to it as soon as possible,” he stressed.
However, a report by Al Jazeera has raised questions about the accuracy of some claims regarding violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. It claimed a video shared by Mirror Now, a Times Group-owned channel, titled Attack on Hindus in Bangladesh? Mass Murders, Killings by Mob, showed footage of violence and arson attacks on four houses. However, local reports have confirmed that two of the houses belonged to Muslims, and one of them was linked to Bangladesh’s freedom icon, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Al Jazeera additionally claimed that the video’s title was misleading, as there were no reports of mass murders. Al Jazeera has independently verified that only two Hindus were killed following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster on Monday—one police officer and one Awami League activist—contradicting the exaggerated claims of “24 burnt alive by mob” and “Minorities at the centre of attacks.”
Further allaying fears of minority persecution, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma last month stated that there has been no illegal influx of Bangladeshi minorities into India. He confirmed that the central government has issued directions to seal the India-Bangladesh border, and no instructions have been given to allow people to enter. Sarma stressed that there is no need for excessive discussion on the issue, further diminishing concerns of large-scale migration or violence-induced displacement of minorities.
Highlighting India’s role in supporting peace in Bangladesh, Gandhi added, “From our side, it’s our government’s responsibility to exert pressure to ensure that the violence stops.”
In response to a question about the concerns surrounding extremist elements in Bangladesh, Gandhi acknowledged that India shares those concerns and remains vigilant. “We are aware of the extremist elements, and we share some of those concerns,” he said.
Gandhi also indicated that his Congress party largely agrees with the foreign policy stance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government on issues like extremism in Bangladesh, maintaining strong ties with the United States, and India’s no-dialogue policy with Pakistan until terrorism is addressed. Additionally, the Congress party supports the country’s strategic relationship with Israel.
However, Gandhi voiced disagreement with Modi’s handling of China, particularly regarding Chinese incursions in Ladakh, an issue he highlighted as a significant concern for India’s national security.