Bangladesh's Chief Adviser's press wing has strongly refuted reports by Indian media outlets, including India Today and Anandabazar, which claimed that 2,200 incidents of violence against Hindus occurred in the country in 2024. 

The reports, citing the Ministry of External Affairs, alleged that the number of such incidents had sharply increased in recent years.

The press wing labeled the figures as "misleading and highly exaggerated" in a statement issued on its official Facebook page. It clarified that, according to independent human rights group Ain O Salish Kendra, there were 138 violent incidents against religious minorities in Bangladesh between January and November 2024, resulting in 368 houses being attacked and 82 people injured.

The interim government has assured that it is investigating all reported incidents and has filed at least 97 cases, with 75 people arrested for alleged attacks on religious minorities since August. 

Authorities highlighted that many of the attacks occurred during a period of political instability when there was no functioning government.

The government urged the media to avoid spreading false information regarding such sensitive issues.

BDST: 1725 HRS, DEC 21, 2024
MN