Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur on Friday said the Government of India would formally raise concerns with Bangladesh over reports of atrocities against minority Hindus, asserting that New Delhi remains committed both to protecting the rights of persecuted communities and maintaining constructive relations with its eastern neighbour.
Addressing mediapersons in Shillong, Thakur said India would urge the Bangladesh Government to ensure the safety and rights of Hindus residing in the country, stressing that members of the minority community should not be forced to leave their homeland.
“Hindus are facing bad situations in Bangladesh and we are going to request the Bangladesh Government stop this,” he said.
Calling the situation “unfortunate”, Thakur said, “This is unfortunate, we can request them those who are hindu living in Bangladesh, they will not be pushed here because they have right to live in Bangladesh. The minority Hindus are facing bad situation out there, We are going to request Bangladesh Government to please stop it.”
Referring to India’s citizenship policy concerning migrants who entered the country on grounds of religious persecution, the Union Minister said the Centre had already taken steps to provide legal protection to eligible individuals under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
“This is totally unfortunate that atrocities against Hindus are happening in Bangladesh, but our government has given the opportunity to those who came from Bangladesh by religious pressure, we are going to give them the citizenship, therefore, our our Home Ministry come up with gazette to give them the citizenship under Citizenship ammendment act, who came prior to 31 December 2014,” he said.
On the issue of border management and the slow pace of fencing work along certain stretches of the India-Bangladesh border, including sectors in Meghalaya, Thakur said construction efforts have encountered challenges in unfenced areas situated near the zero line.
“While putting the fencing in the unfenced border at the zero line sector, it came as hindrance from the Bangladesh people and this causes difficulties in fencing these borders. After when this becomes mutual, Bangladesh considers it, we can build fencing in the border. Generally it will be done step by step,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Thakur underscored New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Bangladesh, describing the neighbouring country as a friendly partner with whom India seeks deeper cooperation in trade, connectivity and regional development.
“The Government of India is trying to build up healthy relationship with Bangladesh, improve trade and India always considers Bangladesh as friendly neighbour, and we will continue to try and Wherever there are problems, these will be solved in the coming days. Our motive always is to have a better relation with Bangladesh,” he added.
