MEA rejects Bangladesh’s remarks on West Bengal situation, asks Bangladesh to ‘Fix Its Own House First’

India terms Bangladesh’s remarks a deflection from minority persecution at home

New Delhi, April 18 —

West Bengal situation: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday firmly dismissed recent comments from Bangladeshi officials concerning incidents in West Bengal. Calling the remarks a “barely disguised and disingenuous attempt” to equate them with India’s concerns about the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, the MEA urged Dhaka to introspect and prioritize the safety and rights of its minority communities.

Official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to media queries on Thursday, said, “We reject the remarks made by the Bangladesh side with regard to the incidents in West Bengal. This is a barely disguised and disingenuous attempt to draw a parallel with India’s concerns over the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, where the criminal perpetrators of such acts continue to roam free.”

The statement comes after Bangladeshi officials raised concerns over developments in West Bengal, hinting at communal tensions in the region. India, however, has taken strong exception to what it sees as unnecessary commentary on its internal matters.

“Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signaling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities,” Jaiswal added.

While the MEA did not elaborate on the incidents in West Bengal, officials have made it clear that such issues fall strictly within the purview of Indian authorities and that any foreign remarks on them are unwelcome.