The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday rejected recent comments made by the spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding the situation of minority communities in Bangladesh, saying the remarks do not reflect the ground reality.
In a statement, the foreign ministry said its attention had been drawn to the comments, which it described as false, exaggerated and misleading. Bangladesh categorically rejects any narrative that misrepresents the country’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony, it added.
The statement expressed concern over what it termed a systematic attempt to portray isolated criminal incidents as organised persecution of Hindus and to use such narratives to spread anti-Bangladesh sentiments in parts of India.
It noted that some quarters were selectively publicising and misrepresenting incidents to incite ordinary Indians against Bangladesh, its diplomatic missions and institutions in India.
The ministry further said that one of the individuals referred to by the Indian MEA spokesperson was a listed criminal who was killed during an extortion attempt involving a Muslim associate, who was also arrested. Portraying the incident as a minority-related issue was not only inaccurate but also misleading, the statement added.
Calling for restraint, the foreign ministry urged various quarters in India to refrain from spreading misleading narratives that undermine good neighbourly relations and mutual trust.
Earlier, the interim government said police information and preliminary investigations indicated that the incident in question was not communal in nature.
According to the government, it stemmed from a violent situation linked to extortion and criminal activities.
The deceased, identified as top criminal Amrit Mondal alias Samrat, had reportedly gone to the area to demand extortion money and was killed during a clash with local residents. He was accused in several serious cases, including murder and extortion filed in 2023, and had outstanding arrest warrants, the statement said.
Police arrested Samrat’s associate Selim at the scene along with a foreign-made pistol and a pipe gun, the government added, noting that three cases have already been filed in connection with the incident.
The government strongly condemned the killing and reiterated that it does not support any form of unlawful activity, mob violence or vigilantism. Legal action will be taken against all those directly or indirectly involved, it said, adding that law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation.
The statement also expressed deep concern over attempts by a section of people to portray the incident as a communal attack by highlighting the religious identity of the deceased, calling such claims baseless and driven by ill intent.
The government warned that such propaganda could damage social harmony and worsen the law and order situation, and urged all concerned to act responsibly and refrain from spreading misleading, provocative or communal statements.