India Challenges Bangladesh’s Denial of Attacks on Minorities at Border Security Meet
Contradictory Claims Spark Diplomatic Tensions
New Delhi, February 20 – India has strongly countered Bangladesh’s claims that recent attacks on its Hindu minority are “exaggerated,” following statements by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman at the conclusion of the 55th Director-General level border coordination conference in New Delhi. His remarks dismissing concerns over religious persecution contradict India’s official reports, which document a surge in violence against Hindus since the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
The high-level meeting, held from February 17 to 20, brought together officials from India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and BGB to discuss key issues such as border security, trans-border crimes, infiltration, and infrastructure developments. However, the denial of religious violence overshadowed the agenda, raising concerns about the credibility of Bangladesh’s stance on minority rights.
Bangladesh’s Denial vs. India’s Evidence
Addressing the media, Ashrafuzzaman firmly denied any systematic attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, stating, “The attacks on minorities in the recent past, I would say, are an exaggeration by the media. Such incidents did not happen.” He cited the peaceful conduct of Durga Puja in Bangladesh as evidence of religious tolerance, emphasizing that BGB personnel had ensured security at puja mandaps under its jurisdiction.
His remarks directly contradict a recent statement in the Indian Parliament by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, who reported multiple incidents of Hindu temples being desecrated and targeted attacks on the community. Singh highlighted specific incidents, including an attack on a Puja Mandap in Tantibazar, Dhaka, and the desecration of the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira during Durga Puja 2024. India has officially urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its minorities and prevent such incidents from recurring.
Reports indicate that between November 26, 2024, and January 25, 2025, at least 23 Hindus were killed, and 152 temples were attacked—findings that starkly contrast Ashrafuzzaman’s assertions. Additionally, an increasing number of Hindus have reportedly fled Bangladesh, fearing persecution, further fueling concerns over the country’s treatment of its minority population.
Border Security and Infiltration: Unresolved Issues
The conference also tackled critical border security issues, including infiltration attempts following the political shift in Bangladesh. While Ashrafuzzaman asserted that BGB was cooperating with India in controlling illegal crossings, BSF officials pointed out persistent challenges posed by Bangladesh-based criminals.
BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary acknowledged BGB’s support but stressed that infiltration attempts had “substantially reduced” primarily due to enhanced Indian vigilance. “After August 5, forces from both sides were deployed operationally to curb infiltration. However, the threat remains, and India continues to strengthen its surveillance mechanisms,” Chawdhary stated.
Another contentious issue discussed was the border infrastructure and fencing along the 4,096 km-long border. Bangladesh raised objections to India’s fencing projects within 150 yards of the international border, demanding joint inspections before any construction. However, Indian officials remain wary of BGB’s repeated disruptions of security measures aimed at preventing smuggling, infiltration, and border-related violence.
Diplomatic Ramifications and the Way Forward
Despite agreements on collaborative border management, intelligence-sharing, and enhanced patrols, diplomatic tensions remain evident. While both sides committed to improving coordination through joint inspections and information exchange, the unresolved differences over minority persecution and border security cast a shadow over the discussions.
Bangladesh’s continued denial of religious violence could strain bilateral ties, particularly as India continues to push for stronger assurances for the safety of Hindu minorities. With the next Director-General level talks scheduled for July 2025 in Dhaka, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Bangladesh takes concrete steps to address India’s concerns or maintains its stance of denial.
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