New Delhi forms committee to monitor Bangladesh situation

New Delhi, Aug 09: In response to the escalating violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, the Government of India has constituted a high-level committee to monitor the situation along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB). The committee is tasked with maintaining communication with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and minority communities in Bangladesh.

The committee will be led by the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF), Eastern Command, and will include key members such as the Inspector Generals (IG) of BSF Frontier Headquarters South Bengal and Tripura, along with senior officials from the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI). The Member (Planning & Development) and Secretary of LPAI will also play crucial roles in the committee’s operations.

This initiative underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens and advocating for the protection of minority communities in Bangladesh during these turbulent times. The committee is expected to work closely with their Bangladeshi counterparts to monitor the situation and address any emerging concerns effectively.

Bangladesh has been gripped by a wave of violence since last Sunday, with several properties and commercial shops belonging to minority communities targeted and vandalized in Dhaka and other towns across the country. The attacks have raised concerns about the safety and security of minorities in the region, leading to widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.

In response to the escalating violence, Mohammad Yousuf, the chief advisor to Bangladesh’s caretaker government, issued a stark warning on Friday. He appealed for an immediate end to the violence against minority communities, stating that if the situation does not improve, he will be forced to step down from his position. “The violence against minorities must stop. If it continues, I will have no choice but to resign,” Yousuf declared in a public address, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The unrest has seen a series of coordinated attacks on minority-owned businesses and homes, particularly in the capital city of Dhaka and surrounding areas. These attacks have further deepened the fears of minority communities, who have long faced discrimination and marginalization in Bangladesh. The ongoing violence is a significant challenge for the caretaker government, which is responsible for maintaining law and order during the transition to new elections.

The international community has expressed concern over the situation, with human rights organizations calling for immediate action to protect vulnerable communities. The caretaker government’s ability to address the violence and restore peace will be a crucial test of its legitimacy and effectiveness in the eyes of both the Bangladeshi public and the global community.