India criticizes Bangladesh's comment on the Murshidabad violence

India Tells Bangladesh to Prioritize Its Own Minority Rights Amid Row Over Murshidabad Violence

New Delhi — A diplomatic spark ignited this week between India and Bangladesh after Dhaka expressed concern over recent incidents of communal unrest in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. In a strongly worded response, New Delhi rejected the remarks, calling them “unwarranted” and urged Bangladesh to focus on addressing the challenges faced by its own minority communities instead of interfering in India’s internal affairs.

The exchange unfolded after a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Tuesday voicing “deep concern” over reports of violence in Murshidabad that allegedly targeted members of the Muslim community. Citing social media posts and select regional media reports, the Bangladeshi statement described the incidents as “deeply troubling” and called on India to “ensure the safety, dignity, and religious freedom” of all communities.

India, in turn, responded with visible displeasure. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a rebuttal on Wednesday, labeling Bangladesh’s comments as “misinformed and diplomatically inappropriate.” The Indian government emphasized that law and order in the Murshidabad district was firmly under control and that authorities were taking all necessary measures to maintain peace and harmony.

“It is unfortunate that Bangladesh has chosen to comment on an internal matter of India without full knowledge of facts,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Malik. “We urge our neighbor to reflect on the condition of its own minority populations and focus on creating an inclusive society within its own borders.”

Backdrop of the Tensions in Murshidabad

Murshidabad, located in eastern West Bengal near the India-Bangladesh border, has historically been known for its cultural pluralism. However, tensions flared last week after a procession in a local village reportedly led to a confrontation between groups belonging to different religious communities. Local police confirmed incidents of arson and vandalism, which left several shops damaged and at least a dozen people injured.

While political parties have been quick to attribute blame to their rivals, with the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party accusing each other of stoking communal passions, the district administration has downplayed the extent of the violence. Officials say the situation was “blown out of proportion,” and police have arrested over 20 individuals allegedly involved in the skirmishes.

Despite the local efforts to contain the unrest, videos and reports began circulating widely online, many of which painted an exaggerated or misleading picture of the violence. It was these unverified depictions that seemingly prompted the Bangladeshi government to weigh in—much to New Delhi’s annoyance.

India’s Firm Diplomatic Pushback

New Delhi’s response was calculated and firm, reflecting both irritation and a sense of national sovereignty. Officials said that Bangladesh’s statement set an “unwelcome precedent,” particularly given the close and cooperative relationship that both nations have maintained over the past decade.

“We are surprised and disappointed that a friendly country like Bangladesh would comment on internal matters without verifying facts through diplomatic channels,” said an Indian official on condition of anonymity. “This is not how mature democracies engage with one another.”

The MEA’s response also included a pointed reference to Bangladesh’s own record on minority rights—a subject that has been a matter of concern for international human rights groups for years. India cited multiple recent reports of attacks on Hindu temples, property, and individuals in various parts of Bangladesh, particularly during the Durga Puja celebrations in 2021 and 2022.

Reactions from Political Circles

The diplomatic friction quickly drew reactions from Indian political leaders, many of whom viewed Bangladesh’s statement as an unwarranted provocation. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said that India’s internal matters should be left to India alone and emphasized that no foreign country had the right to interfere.

“The government is doing everything in its power to maintain peace and ensure justice in Murshidabad,” Bhatia told reporters in New Delhi. “Instead of issuing statements based on half-truths and rumors, Bangladesh should examine the plight of its own minorities, who continue to face discrimination and violence.”

The ruling Trinamool Congress, however, was more circumspect. A senior party leader said the situation in Murshidabad was under control and urged all stakeholders—including foreign governments—to refrain from sensationalizing the issue.

“There is no communal tension. Murshidabad has always stood for communal harmony,” the leader told local media. “Yes, some miscreants tried to disrupt peace, but they are being dealt with firmly.”

Concerns Over Online Misinformation

A significant element fueling the cross-border tension appears to be the rapid spread of misinformation on social media platforms. Several viral posts, some of which were traced back to accounts operating outside India, presented the Murshidabad clashes as part of a broader campaign of religious persecution—despite little evidence to support such claims.

Indian cybersecurity experts say that some of these narratives may be part of coordinated attempts to stir unrest or provoke international condemnation.

“Much of what went viral was either selectively edited or entirely fabricated,” said Anurag Sen, a cybersecurity researcher. “There’s a growing pattern of disinformation campaigns being used to exploit communal sensitivities and strain bilateral relations.”

Indian authorities have reportedly reached out to social media companies to take down misleading content and are monitoring accounts that may be trying to incite violence or spread falsehoods.

India-Bangladesh Relations: A Delicate Balance

India and Bangladesh have historically shared a complex but largely positive relationship. Since the advent of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in 2009, the two countries have worked closely on issues ranging from counterterrorism to water-sharing, trade, and cross-border connectivity.

However, differences have occasionally surfaced—particularly on the question of minority rights. India has previously expressed concern over attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, while Dhaka has occasionally bristled at Indian domestic political rhetoric that references Bangladeshi migration or Islam.

In 2021, the violent backlash against Hindu communities during Durga Puja celebrations in Bangladesh led to dozens of attacks on temples and homes. The Indian government then called on Bangladesh to take firm action to protect minorities, and Dhaka responded with a crackdown on extremist groups.

This time, the roles are reversed—and New Delhi is making it clear that it does not appreciate what it sees as hypocrisy.

“We have always respected Bangladesh’s sovereignty and expected the same in return,” said a senior Indian diplomat. “Public posturing on such sensitive issues helps no one.”

Voices from Bangladesh

Meanwhile, in Dhaka, the government appeared to tone down its rhetoric after India’s stern response. On Thursday, Bangladeshi officials said they had only issued the statement out of concern for regional harmony and had no intention of interfering in India’s internal matters.

“We value our relationship with India deeply,” said a spokesperson from Bangladesh’s foreign ministry. “Our comment was made in good faith, based on reports that were circulating widely in public domains.”

Despite the clarification, the episode has ignited debate within Bangladesh itself, where minority groups have long demanded stronger protections from the government. Human rights activists in the country say both nations should focus on introspection rather than exchanging barbs.

“Instead of pointing fingers, let’s look at how minorities are treated on both sides of the border,” said a Dhaka-based civil society member. “Religious freedom and equal rights are not just national issues—they are moral imperatives.”

What Comes Next

For now, both India and Bangladesh seem eager to prevent the spat from escalating further. Diplomatic channels remain open, and officials in both capitals have reportedly discussed ways to de-escalate the matter behind closed doors.

However, the incident serves as a reminder of how volatile the intersection of domestic politics, communal sensitivities, and social media can be—especially in regions with shared history, culture, and borders.

Analysts warn that unless governments on both sides establish clear protocols for responding to such incidents and curb the spread of online misinformation, future flare-ups could further strain the otherwise cordial bilateral relationship.

“India and Bangladesh have too much at stake to allow such issues to derail their partnership,” said Dr. Meera Dutta, a professor of South Asian politics at JNU. “But that means both sides need to be extremely cautious, especially when dealing with matters that touch on identity and religion.”

As Murshidabad returns to normalcy and both governments seek to move past the controversy, the diplomatic episode may yet serve as a lesson in restraint and the importance of nuanced, fact-based dialogue between neighbors in an increasingly interconnected world.