India Expresses Concern Over Bangladesh's Escalating Law and Order Crisis Fueled by Extremist Releases
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Synopsis
India has voiced its concerns about the deteriorating law and order in Bangladesh, worsened by the release of extremists. The Yunus-led interim government faces criticism for its handling of the situation, particularly regarding minority protections and security policies.
Key Takeaways
- India is worried about the law and order decline in Bangladesh.
- The interim government has been criticized for releasing violent extremists.
- Minority communities are facing increased attacks.
- Development cooperation has been affected by the current situation.
- Calls for thorough investigations into violence against minorities.
New Delhi, March 7 (NationPress) India expressed its deep concern regarding the worsening law and order situation in neighboring Bangladesh, a situation that has been further intensified by the release of violent extremists previously sentenced for serious offenses.
The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has faced significant criticism for acquitting extremist elements and exonerating numerous Islamists since the fall of the Awami League government under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
"We advocate for a stable, peaceful, inclusive, and progressive Bangladesh, where all matters are resolved through democratic processes and by conducting inclusive and participatory elections. Our concerns regarding the deteriorating law and order situation are heightened by the release of violent extremists who were sentenced for serious crimes," stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.
As Bangladesh has descended into turmoil following the downfall of the Sheikh Hasina government, the interim administration under Yunus has been accused of granting a free hand to Islamist factions and significantly easing the policy on mandatory security clearance for Pakistani citizens applying for visas, thereby facilitating the return of many notorious terror suspects who had previously sought refuge in Pakistan.
With ongoing attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, particularly targeting members of the Hindu and Ahmadiyya communities, the MEA once again brought to light the serious issue and the interim government's inadequate investigations that have proven to be mere window dressing.
"We have consistently emphasized that it is the responsibility of the interim government of Bangladesh to protect Hindus and other minorities, along with their properties and places of worship. So far, only 1254 out of 2374 reported incidents between August 5, 2024, and February 16, 2025, have been verified by the police. Moreover, 98 percent of these verified incidents were classified as political in nature. We expect Bangladesh to conduct thorough investigations and bring all perpetrators of killings, arson, and violence to justice without making such distinctions," the MEA spokesperson remarked.
Jaiswal acknowledged that development cooperation, a key aspect of bilateral relations, has been negatively impacted by the current situation in Bangladesh.
"Development cooperation is essential to our relationship with the people of Bangladesh. The recent security situation and long-standing local issues have slowed down the implementation of some projects. Thus, official discussions have focused on rationalizing the project portfolio and executing mutually agreed-upon projects in a timely manner. Subject to receiving the necessary support and pending clearances from the Bangladesh side, we intend to proceed with these projects," Jaiswal stated about a recent meeting held between the two nations concerning development cooperation.
