Centre should give statement in Parliament on "atrocities against minorities" in Bangladesh: Abhishek Banerjee

New Delhi [India], December 16 (ANI): Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has said that the Centre should take a strong stand over "atrocities against minorities" in Bangladesh and give a statement in Parliament about Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to the neighbouring country.
"The atrocities happening in Bangladesh against minorities, our government (must) highly condemn this and central government must take a strict stand on this. What did the Foreign Secretary say during his visit, what were the talks held, they should speak about that in the House. EAM must give a statement," Banerjee, MP, told reporters here.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka on December 9. It was the first high-level visit from India to Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina was deposed as Prime Minister in August this year and the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, assumed office.
Misri had raised the issue of attacks on minorities, including Hindus, with Bangladesh leaders and officials.
"We also discussed recent developments and I conveyed our concerns including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities.. We also discussed regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural and religious properties... I emphasised that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh. I have underlined today India's desire to work closely with the interim government of Bangladesh Authority," Misri had told reporters in Dhaka.
There have been multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There also have been cases of arson and looting of minorities' homes and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples. The arrest of priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Chittagong on October 25 led to protests.
India had on November 26 noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote.
India had urged Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. (ANI)