John Brittas MP Questions Centre on Minority Safety in Bangladesh; Reply Shows Only Diplomatic Talks Held

New Delhi: The Government of India today responded in the Rajya Sabha to concerns raised by Dr. John Brittas regarding the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh, but the reply has drawn criticism for offering little beyond rhetoric.

Dr. Brittas had asked whether the government had taken cognisance of reports of attacks, killings, arson, and intimidation targeting minorities, the number and details of formal representations made to Bangladesh in the last two years, whether these concerns were raised at the political or diplomatic level, the responses received, and whether India proposed to seek concrete assurances or international monitoring to ensure minority safety.

In its reply, Minister of State for External Affairs Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh said India continues to monitor incidents against minorities and has consistently raised the matter with Bangladesh authorities at political and diplomatic levels. Meetings by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on 4 April 2025, and by the External Affairs Minister with Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain on 16 February 2025 were cited as examples. The minister also stated that the primary responsibility for protecting citizens, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh.

While the reply lists diplomatic engagements and discussions, it provides no specifics on formal representations, tangible measures, or mechanisms to safeguard minorities on the ground. Critics argue that repeated expressions of concern without action are insufficient, leaving vulnerable communities at the mercy of the Bangladeshi authorities. The response underlines a gap between India’s diplomatic rhetoric and any concrete steps to ensure the safety of minorities across the border.