Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has explained government’s stance on alleged propaganda about minority rights violations in Bangladesh to foreign diplomats. 

The briefing took place on Monday (December 2) at the Padma State Guesthouse.

Speaking to journalists after the briefing, the adviser said, “We clarified our position to foreign diplomats to ensure there is no misunderstanding regarding the propaganda on minority rights violations.”

He emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of religious minorities. “The Durga Puja celebrations were peaceful this year. While a few isolated incidents did occur, such incidents are not new. There is no prevailing unrest in Bangladesh at present. However, media outlets, especially those from India, are spreading misinformation about minority issues,” he said.

When asked if the government would send a stern message to India’s government or politicians, Touhid Hossain responded, “The message we want to convey is that this government will not tolerate any communal activity, whether it involves Hindus or Muslims. We treat everyone equally. The law will take its course, and anyone attempting to create unrest will be dealt with firmly.”

He clarified that during the briefing, he primarily discussed media-related issues. “I did not specifically target India in the briefing. However, an Indian embassy representative was present during the meeting,” he added.

The discussion also touched on the case of Chinmoy Das, with the government’s position on the matter being communicated to the diplomats.

When asked if the diplomats were convinced by the government’s statements, the adviser replied, “I believe they were convinced.”

Diplomats from countries including the United States, China, India, Japan, Russia, Italy, Canada, Morocco, South Korea, the European Union, Myanmar, Algeria, Iran, the Maldives, Libya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Thailand, and Australia attended the briefing.

BDST: 1808 HRS, DEC 02, 2024
MSK