India today (April 18) dismissed Bangladesh's call to ensure the safety of Muslims amid recent unrest in West Bengal and instead urged Bangladesh to focus on its minority rights.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), commented in response to statements from Bangladeshi authorities regarding unrest in West Bengal amid protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.

Randhir Jaiswal said, "We reject the remarks made by the Bangladesh side regarding the incidents in West Bengal."

He also said, "This is a barely disguised and disingenuous attempt to draw a parallel with India's concerns over the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh where the criminal perpetrators of such acts continue to roam free."

"Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signaling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities," Randhir Jaiswal added.

Earlier on Thursday (April 17), the Bangladesh interim government strongly protested India's attempts to involve Bangladesh in communal violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal, and urged the neighbouring country to take steps to 'fully protect' the minority Muslim population there.

"We strongly refute any attempts to implicate Bangladesh in the communal violence in Murshidabad," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said.

Alam said the Bangladesh government condemned attacks on Muslims, causing loss of lives and properties.

"We urge the Government of India and West Bengal to take all steps to fully protect the minority Muslim population," he added.

The violence broke out last week in the Muslim-dominated Murshidabad district during a protest over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The protests swept across Malda, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, and Hooghly districts, leading to arson, stone-pelting, and road blockades, according to reports from Indian media.

BDST: 1624 HRS, April 18, 2025
MSK/SMS