India on Thursday urged Dhaka again to take strict action against "extremist elements" and to ensure the safety of the Hindus in the country. Condemning the recent attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh's Chittagong, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing that such actions would only create more tensions in the minority community.
"We have observed that there have been attacks on Hindu community in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Their properties have been looted, their business establishments have been looted. These happened following incendiary posts on social media targeting Hindu religious organisations," he said.
Bangladesh's port city of Chittagong witnessed unrest after security forces launched a massive crackdown on the Hindu community following clashes sparked by provocative social media post.
The incident took place on November 5 after a member of the Jamat-e-Islami group reportedly posted derogatory comments against the Hindu religion and the ISKON on social media. Reacting to this, the Hindu residents of the Hazari Gali area gathered outside his shop to stage a protest over the offensive post.
This led to clashes between the two groups. However, the situation went downhill when the security forces, including the Bangladesh Army, were deployed to restore law and order in the area. The security personnel reportedly clashed with the minority community members, chasing them and hitting them with batons.
According to local media outlet Prothom Alo, the forces fired blank round into the air to disperse the crowd, while some of the officers were also spotted dismantling the CCTVs installed in the area.
Reacting to this incident, Jaiswal further said: "It is understood that there are extremist elements who are behind such posts and such illegal criminal activities. This is bound to create further tensions in the community. We yet again urge the Government of Bangladesh to take strong measures to ensure the safety of Hindus and to take action against extremist elements".
According to Dhaka Tribune, police officers were faced with significant resistance as protestors attacked them with acid, brick chips, stones and broken glass, resulting in seven police officers being injured. Around 80 people have been detained so far in connection with the incident.
Meanwhile, Hindu community leaders alleged that the security forces targeted Hindu residents unfairly and conducting indiscriminate attacks, despite the involvement of both communities.