Protect Hindus, India tells Dhaka amid fresh clashes

NEW DELHI: Amid reports of violence in Bangladesh's port city of Chittagong over a controversial social media post, India urged the interim govt in Dhaka to act against extremist elements and ensure the safety of Hindus.

According to an agency report, a local Muslim youth uploaded a post on Facebook that sought a ban on ISKCON, leading to protests by the local Hindu community and clashes with law-enforcing authorities.

"We have observed that there have been attacks on the Hindu community in Chittagong. Their properties have been looted, their business establishments have been looted. These happened following incendiary posts on social media targeting Hindu religious organisations," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

The official went on to urge the interim govt, which has maintained till now that reports of attacks on Hindus and other minority communities in the country are highly exaggerated, to take action against the "extremist elements" and ensure the safety of Hindus in the country.

"It is understood that there are extremist elements who are behind such posts and such illegal criminal activities. This is bound to create further tensions in the community. We yet again urge the govt of Bangladesh to take strong measures to ensure the safety of Hindus and to take action against extremist elements," he said.

There have been several reports of violence against Hindus and other minorities since former Bangladeshi PM and pro-India leader Sheikh Hasina was deposed on Aug 5. Hasina, who remains in India, was reported to have sent a congratulatory message to US president-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday. In her message, she had referred to herself as Bangladesh PM. Asked if India too still considers her PM, the official said, "We have already said she is a former prime minister of Bangladesh and that is our position on this matter."