Bangladesh Confirms 88 Attacks on Hindus: India Expresses Concerns Over Security for Minorities

Bangladesh, this south Asian country has confirmed as of late 88 incidents of communal violence, most of these attacks targeting Hindus, that emerged after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. The violence has raised serious concerns over the safety and well being of India's Hindu minority staying in the neighboring country.
Bangladesh: Confirmation came after India's Foreign Secretary
Vikram Misri, met Bangladesh's leadership in Dhaka and presented concerns over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh in light of the recent wave of violence. Bangladesh's caretaker government, led by Muhammad Yunus, unveiled the disturbing statistics that covered violence against religious minorities from August 5 through October 22. Many attacks were connected to ex-members of the ruling party, although most targeted Hindus, even as the government contended the attacks were not fundamentally religious.
Shafiqul Alam, an official of the caretaker government, said that 70 people have been arrested so far in connection with the violence. However, the government added that the violence was partly the result of personal disputes or political motives rather than religious persecution. Despite this, attacks on Hindu temples and people have increased tensions, and India has expressed alarm at the rising number of incidents.
Besides these alarming figures, the Bangladesh government has taken more promises to take even further action with more arrests and investigations. There have been various reports of violence in regions including Sunamganj and Gazipur, which have aroused even more concern.
The India-Bangladesh relationship has been strained due to the ongoing violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, which has prompted India to seek urgent diplomatic intervention. Misri's visit was the first senior Indian functionary trip to Dhaka since the change of government, underlining the importance of addressing the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Also read: Syria Crisis: India Evacuates 75 Nationals as Rebels Storm Damascus