India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, attended an exhibition and panel discussion on the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting India’s concerns over the issue.
The event, titled “The Never-Ending Persecution of Minorities in Bangladesh,” was organised by the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) in Delhi.
The exhibition showcased the challenges faced by religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Ahmadiyya Muslims.
It was curated by the Foundation Against Continuing Terrorism (FACT) and featured visual documentation of human rights violations, forced displacements, and attacks on minority communities.
A panel discussion followed the exhibition, bringing together diplomats, journalists, and security experts.
The panel included former Deputy National Security Advisor Satish Chandra, former High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri, French journalist Francois Gautier, and Anirban Ganguly, Chairperson of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation. The discussion was chaired by Arvind Gupta, Director of VIF.
Each speaker provided insights into the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, analysing its historical, socio-political, and international implications.
They discussed the rise of Islamist extremism, the failure of successive Bangladeshi governments to protect minority communities, and the broader impact on regional security.
Doval’s presence at the event underscored India’s commitment to monitoring the situation. While he did not make a public statement, his attendance signalled the Indian government’s continued interest in addressing human rights concerns in Bangladesh.
The exhibition aimed to raise awareness and encourage dialogue on protecting minority rights. It also reinforced VIF’s role in advocating for human rights and regional security.
The foundation has consistently highlighted issues affecting South Asian minorities, calling for greater accountability from governments in the region.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is working to strengthen its ties with India. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain responded to recent remarks by Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who noted the presence of anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh.
Hossain emphasised that Dhaka remains committed to maintaining positive relations with New Delhi. “We have a clear decision that we want good working relations with India on the basis of mutual respect and reciprocal interest. We have no ambiguity about this,” he told reporters.
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