The Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs has expressed deep concern over the continuous attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. The committee has said that since the events of August 2024, minority communities, their places of worship, cultural institutions and individuals have been targeted in Bangladesh, which has not only affected the social fabric there, but has also increased tension in India-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
The committee has mentioned in its report that the Government of India continuously raised this issue with the interim government of Bangladesh, but no concrete and effective steps were taken to resolve these incidents, which is a matter of concern. The committee also said that attempts by Bangladeshi authorities to portray these incidents as mere political killings are disturbing.
70 arrests and 88 cases registered
According to the committee headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, till May 18, 2025, a total of 2446 information related to attacks against minorities has come to light. Despite India raising the issue during Foreign Office consultations, only 70 arrests and 88 cases were registered by December 2024, which the committee saw as a clear admission of attacks on minorities.
Create pressure for the protection of minorities
In the report, the committee has recommended that the Ministry of External Affairs should continue to make the protection of minorities in Bangladesh a key element of its strategic diplomacy. At the same time, pressure should be put on Bangladeshi authorities to take prompt and effective action to protect the rights and safety of all minority communities and to bring the perpetrators of violence to justice.
Concern over the release of prisoners
Along with this, the committee has also expressed concern in the report over the release of prisoners with records of terrorism and extremist violence. The committee reported that prisoners accused of terrorism and extremist violence were released during prison escapes amid unrest in Bangladesh between July and August 2025. Besides, the incidents of absconding of convicted extremists and terrorists have also been described as very serious.
North-eastern states may be affected
The committee was informed that these elements are now spreading anti-India sentiments and making statements in Bangladesh. Along with this, the committee has warned that this may create serious challenges related to instability and law and order in the region, which is likely to have a direct impact on the north-eastern states of India.
The Committee expects the Central Government to maintain close and vigilant monitoring of these activities by India and also to coordinate with Bangladesh to ensure that such incidents do not have any negative impact on the internal security of the North-Eastern region.
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