(a) the estimated number of Indians affected by the recent violence in Bangladesh;
(b) the efforts made by the Government of Bangladesh to check violence against Hindus
and vandalism of their property and temples;
(c) whether the Government is exerting diplomatic pressure on Bangladesh to check
such violence; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)
(a) to (d) As per information available, no Indian national has been affected in the
recent violence in Bangladesh.
There have been recent reports of violence against the members of minority communities,
including Hindus, during and around strikes/hartals called by various parties in
Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to provide
security for minorities and to safeguard minority rights within the legal framework
of Bangladesh’s Constitution. It is understood that the Bangladesh authorities have
deployed security forces extensively to curb violence. The Foreign Minister of
Bangladesh, while briefing the diplomatic corps on March 07, 2013, reiterated that the
Government of Bangladesh would not tolerate any attempt to harm religious minorities in
Bangladesh.
Government is of the view that the recent incidents are an internal matter for Bangladesh
to deal with. However, Government has conveyed to various stake holders in Bangladesh the
need for maintenance of communal peace and harmony in the country.