Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to visit Dhaka amid rising attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will travel to Dhaka on December 9 for Foreign Office Consultations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed. His visit comes at a time when relations between India and Bangladesh are under strain due to increasing attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. The MEA stated that these discussions are part of regular diplomatic interactions between the two nations.

The situation in Bangladesh has worsened since the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5. Reports indicate over 200 attacks on Hindus in 50 districts, creating concerns about minority safety. The arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das last month on sedition charges has further strained ties, with India urging Bangladesh to ensure fair and transparent legal proceedings.

Global concern over minority persecution

India has expressed its disapproval of the violence, emphasizing that the interim Bangladeshi government must protect minorities and uphold justice. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated this stance, calling for accountability and fair legal treatment for affected individuals.

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The United States has also expressed concern over the rising violence, labeling the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh as alarming. US State Department spokesperson Margaret McLeod stressed the importance of religious freedom in the region and highlighted that these issues are a key part of discussions with Bangladesh's interim government.

India and the international community continue to monitor the situation closely, urging Bangladesh to address the violence and extremist rhetoric. Misri's visit aims to strengthen dialogue and find ways to resolve the tensions, ensuring peace and safety for minorities in the region.