India slams Bangladesh over Hindu leader's murder, urges protection of minorities

India has reacted sharply to the abduction and gruesome murder of Hindu minority leader Bhabesh Chandra Roy in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the recent incident was "another new case of persecution of Hindu minorities" under the current government led by Muhammad Yunus. Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiwal stressed that the perpetrators of such incidents are roaming freely. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the incident and reminded the interim government of its responsibility to protect all minorities.

Ministry of External Affairs reminds of responsibility

In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "We have seen with distress the abduction and brutal murder of Hindu minority leader Bhabesh Chandra Roy in Bangladesh. "We condemn this incident and once again remind the interim government to fulfil its responsibility to protect minorities, including Hindus, without any excuses," the MEA said in a statement. 

Hindu leader shot dead in Bangladesh 

Bhabesh Chandra Roy, vice-president of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and a prominent leader of the Hindu community in the area, was already abducted and beaten to death. His body was recovered on Thursday night, police and family members were quoted as saying. Bhabesh Chandra Roy's wife Shantana said she received a call around 4.30 pm. He claimed that the criminals had called him to confirm his presence at the house. 

Sharp deterioration in India-Bangladesh relations  

India-Bangladesh relations deteriorated sharply after the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina fled Dhaka in August last year due to massive anti-government protests. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus failed to stop attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country, further worsening relations.