India has called on Bangladesh to take appropriate measures to stop alleged persecution of religious minorities, following claims by a minority rights organisation that at least 141 incidents of violence, including killings, occurred over the past three months.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks on Wednesday, October 14, during the ministry’s weekly media briefing in New Delhi. He was responding to a question about a recent statement by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council ahead of Durga Puja.

“Our expectation is that the Bangladesh authorities will take appropriate measures in this regard,” Jaiswal said, without making accusatory comments about the past or present situation in Bangladesh.

Minority group alleges 141 incidents

The journalist cited a statement by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, which alleged that at least 141 incidents of persecution, including killings, had taken place among minority communities over the preceding three months. The statement also claimed that no arrests had been made in connection with those incidents.

The allegations were presented during the briefing as claims made by the organisation; the Indian spokesperson did not independently verify the figures.

India highlights regional security cooperation

During the same briefing, Jaiswal was asked about Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed’s absence from a BIMSTEC meeting of home ministers, which Bangladesh’s home secretary attended instead.

The spokesperson declined to comment directly on the absence of senior officials. He said the meeting, inaugurated by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, had concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration.

Member states agreed to work together to counter cross-border crimes, including terrorism, money laundering and drug smuggling. Jaiswal also referred to Bangladesh’s participation and expressed hope that cooperation on internal security would strengthen among BIMSTEC countries.