India Urges Democratic Resolution of BD Issues

At a media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized India’s support for a “stable, peaceful, inclusive, and progressive” Bangladesh. He underscored the need for all issues to be addressed through democratic channels and inclusive political processes.

Jaiswal also expressed concern over the “deteriorating law and order situation” in Bangladesh, a situation exacerbated by the recent release of violent extremists who had been convicted of serious crimes. This development, he noted, had raised additional alarms within the international community.

In relation to the ongoing tensions, human rights lawyer Toby Cadman called on Bangladesh to refer the July massacres case to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and to reconsider the naming of its International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

Meanwhile, officials from Bangladesh and India convened for the 86th meeting of the Joint River Commission in Kolkata, where they deliberated on the renewal of the 30-year-old Ganges water-sharing treaty. The treaty, which is set to be renewed next year, was the subject of technical discussions, including water flow measurements and other mutual concerns.

In addressing the issue of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, particularly the Hindu community, Jaiswal emphasized that India expects Bangladesh to conduct thorough investigations into incidents of killings, arson, and violence. He called for the swift prosecution of all perpetrators, stressing that justice should be applied impartially without distinctions based on religion or ethnicity.