India warns Bangladesh after two killed in attack on Hindus, vows action against culprits

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : India has taken a strong stand on the recent killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs has said that the series of incidents targeting members of the minority community is "worrying" and such violence cannot be "ignored."

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued a statement on Friday, saying the government is taking these cross-border incidents seriously. He condemned the violence against Hindus and expressed hope that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice. Jaiswal said, "The continued hostility against minorities in Bangladesh is a matter of great concern. We condemn the recent murder of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh and hope that those responsible will be brought to justice."

According to local reports in Bangladesh, this latest incident occurred on Wednesday in the Pangsha sub-district of Rajbari town, about 145 kilometers west of Dhaka. The Daily Star quoted police as saying that the victim, Amrit Mandal, was beaten to death by locals after allegations of extortion. Meanwhile, India's first reaction to the return of Tarique Rahman, son of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has come. The Ministry of External Affairs has said on Rahman's return that India supports free and fair elections in Bangladesh; this development should be seen in this context.