Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi urged the Indian government to address the reported violence against minorities in Bangladesh during her Zero Hour speech in Lok Sabha on Monday. According to Indian media, she called for diplomatic discussions with the Bangladeshi government to support those affected by the alleged atrocities against Hindus and Christians.
“The government must raise the issue of minority persecution in Bangladesh and ensure support for those in distress,” Gandhi stated.
However, the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary in Bangladesh, Shafiqul Alam, refuted the claims, asserting that the portrayal of minority rights in Bangladesh has been exaggerated by international media and certain parliamentary hearings in influential countries. He called for secular newspapers and global rights organizations to investigate the alleged incidents of religious violence thoroughly and to prioritize factual reporting.
Trinamul Congress MP Sudip Bandhopadhyay also addressed the matter in Lok Sabha, demanding a formal government statement. He criticized the government for its silence, urging the external affairs minister or the prime minister to clarify the developments.
“The situation of minorities in Bangladesh is serious. We need to know what actions the government is taking. A response in the House is urgently needed,” Bandhopadhyay said.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Ganpat Mhaske added to the discussion, stating that religious minorities in Bangladesh are facing severe challenges, with their faith being targeted.
“This growing religious intolerance is alarming. For some, being Hindu, Sikh, or Jain has become a reason for persecution,” Mhaske remarked.
