NEW DELHI, Jan 15 � Acknowledging reports on attacks on Hindus in post-poll related violence in Bangladesh, India has said that it is monitoring the situation and has urged Dhaka to act in this regard.
�We are aware of reports of attacks on minorities in the past few days. Following these attacks it is also our understanding that the Bangladesh Home Ministry has ordered the Inspector General of Police and the Divisional Commissioners to take additional measures to ensure security of religious minorities across the country, official spokesman of Ministry of External Affairs, Syed Akbaruddin said.
�Our understanding is also that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had publicly promised strong action against the culprits, and several culprits accused of these attacks in Dinajpur and Jessore have been arrested,� he added.
The primary responsibility for protection of life, liberty and property of all citizens of any country, including Bangladesh, as well as the minorities in that country, rests with the government of that country, and in this case the Government of Bangladesh. �We in India, through our High Commission, have been closely following the situation and are also in touch with the concerned authorities of Bangladesh in this regard,� he said.
On Monday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had sent a message of felicitations to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and also called her over telephone this evening to convey his good wishes to her on assumption of the office of Prime Minister after the recent elections in Bangladesh. He wished her and the people of Bangladesh all success in the endeavour to strengthen democratic institutions in Bangladesh.
