India concerned over Bangladesh's release of 'violent extremists'
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India on Friday expressed concern over Bangladesh’s release of “violent extremists” and urged the country’s interim government to ensure the protection of Hindus and other minorities, along with their properties and religious institutions.
“We remain concerned about the deteriorating law and order situation… which has been further exacerbated by the release of violent extremists who were sentenced for serious crimes,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
He was responding to a question about the formation of a new student-led political party in Bangladesh, the Jatiya Nagarik Party (National Citizens Party).
On August 5, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India following student-led protests against a controversial quota system for government jobs. The protests, which began in July, escalated into a broader movement against her government.
Since Hasina’s departure, diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained, with reports of violence against religious minorities emerging from several parts of the country.
“As you would have seen, so far only 1,254 out of 2,374 reported incidents between August 5, 2024, and February 16, 2025, have been verified by the police,” Jaiswal said. “Further, 98% of these 1,254 incidents were deemed political in nature.”
He stressed that India expects Bangladesh to conduct thorough investigations and ensure that “all perpetrators of killings, arson, and violence are brought to justice without making such distinctions.”
The Ministry of External Affairs also noted that the security situation in Bangladesh has affected the implementation of certain development projects.
“We support a stable, peaceful, inclusive, and progressive Bangladesh where all issues are resolved through democratic means and by holding inclusive and participatory elections,” Jaiswal added.
On August 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities. Yunus, however, stated that reports of attacks on religious minorities had been exaggerated.