Parliamentary Discussion on India’s Approach towards various issues related to Bangladesh

 

By

Dr. Somita Chakraborty


In the recent Parliamentary discussion, a number of Honorable Members of Parliament raised various issues related to Bangladesh, those are directly connected with probabilities of long-term strong India-Bangladesh relations.

On 12th March, 2026, Honorable MP of Rajya Sabha Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Shri Shaktisinh Gohil expressed their concern that whether Government of India is aware of violence, mob attacks on homes, temples and businesses, lynching and killings of Hindu and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. They also asked specific numbers of attacks and diplomatic engagements with Bangladesh to address the issue of protection of minorities. They also asked that whether Government of India has raised the issue at bilateral platforms or at different international fora. They also asked about outcomes of such engagements. The MPs also expressed their concern regarding consular support or assistance mechanisms in place for affected citizens or persons of Indian origin in Bangladesh.

Next day Shri Kaushalendra Kumar, Honorable Member of Lok Sabha, expressed his concern regarding growing tension between India and Bangladesh. He asked, whether Government of India had held any talks with the then interim Government of Bangladesh regarding mass killings of minorities there.

On 20th March, 2026, in another question Honorable Member of Parliament Shri T. R. Baalu asked about various financial assistance and aid given by Government of India to Bangladesh, since 2014. He also expressed his concern regarding recent growing tension between the two close neighbors.

Answering these questions, Shri Pabitra Margherita (on 12th and 13th March, 2026) and Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh (on 20th March, 2026) informed the Parliament that, India shares deep historical, geographical, linguistic, cultural and social linkages with Bangladesh. India always supports for a democratic, peaceful, stable, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh.

Regarding attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh, they informed that Government of India continuously monitors incidents of attacks against minorities in Bangladesh. Shri Margherita said, according to human rights organizations, from August 2024 to February 2026, around 3100 attacks against Hindu and other minorities have taken place across Bangladesh. During this period, Bangladesh was under an interim government.

He also informed that Government of India consistently raised the matter of safety and security of the minorities with all relevant and highest-level authorities of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Modi discussed the issue with former Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on 4th April, 2025. EAM Dr. Jaishankar raised the issue with the former Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain on 16th February, 2025. Shri Margherita informed the Parliament that the newly-elected Government assumed charge in Bangladesh on 17th February, 2026. Government of India taken up with the new government at appropriate levels. He also clearly stated that, the primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including religious and ethnic minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh.

Answering the questions, Shri Margherita informed the Parliament that Indian Mission and Posts in Bangladesh took various approaches to address grievances and concerns of Indian citizens residing in Bangladesh.

Answering a different question, Shri Singh informed the Parliament that India-Bangladesh relations are neighborhood-driven and people-centric. India extended various development-oriented initiatives in Bangladesh through Lines of Credit (LoC), Grants-in-Aid for Projects, support for ‘High Impact Community Development Projects’, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and capacity building programmes. According to data, since 2014, India has extended two major LoC to Bangladesh total USD 6.5 billion in assistance, along with several other assistance.

For detail

QUESTION NO. 2313 VIOLENCE AGAINST HINDUS IN BANGLADESH

https://www.mea.gov.in/rajya-sabha.htm?dtl/40869/QUESTION_NO_2313_VIOLENCE_AGAINST_HINDUS_IN_BANGLADESH

QUESTION NO. 3670 ANSWERED ON 13/03/2026

https://www.mea.gov.in/lok-sabha.htm?dtl/40909/QUESTION_NO_3670_ANSWERED_ON_13032026

 QUESTION NO. 4784 FOREIGN AID TO BANGLADESH

https://www.mea.gov.in/lok-sabha.htm?dtl/40945/QUESTION_NO_4784_FOREIGN_AID_TO_BANGLADESH

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