Dhaka Rejects India’s Claim Over Hindu Leader’s Death

The interim government has strongly rejected India's claim that the recent death of Hindu community leader Bhabesh Chandra Roy in Dinajpur reflects a pattern of minority persecution in Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiul Alam said the statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs was “unfortunate and baseless.”

“It is regrettable that Mr Roy’s death has been described as part of a pattern of systematic persecution under the interim government,” he said.

He reaffirmed that Bangladesh ensures equal rights and protection for all citizens regardless of religious affiliation, and that there is no state-sponsored discrimination against minorities.

In this particular case, he noted, the deceased had gone out with acquaintances, and his family did not report the matter as suspicious. The initial post-mortem found no signs of physical injury, though viscera analysis has been ordered for a conclusive cause of death.

“The government is committed to uncovering the truth and will take necessary action based on the full report,” said the press secretary, urging all quarters to avoid making fabricated or inflammatory remarks.

On Saturday, a spokesperson from India's Ministry of External Affairs described the killing as part of a “pattern of systematic persecution of Hindu minorities,” prompting the response from Dhaka.