‘Bangladesh violence is reaction to events in India’:Digvijaya Singh reacts as protest erupts in Bhopal; BJP MLA questions Cong leader’s loyalty towards nation

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh on Tuesday made a statement on the recent incidents of violence against Hindu and Christian communities in Bangladesh, linking the situation to religious extremism. Speaking in Delhi, Singh said that the same extremist and fundamentalist forces that engage in politics in the name of religion are responsible for the current situation unfolding in Bangladesh. He said the developments there reflect a pattern similar to actions taken against minority communities elsewhere, and strongly condemned the violence being reported against Hindus and Christians in the neighbouring country. Singh said the Congress party stands in solidarity with the affected communities and expressed concern over the reports emerging from Bangladesh. Referring to the country’s leadership, he said Mohammad Yunus is a respected economist and that responsible intervention is expected from him to address the situation and restore stability. BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma hits back Digvijaya Singh’s remarks drew a sharp reaction from BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma from the Huzur constituency. Responding to Singh’s comments, Sharma alleged that the Congress leader often takes positions that, according to him, weaken India’s stand on national security. He said that despite having served as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for 10 years and currently being a Rajya Sabha MP, Digvijaya Singh has failed to take a clear stand in the national interest. Sharma further accused Singh of speaking ‘like an ISI agent’ and questioned his past statements on terrorism-related incidents. He alleged that Singh has, on earlier occasions, made remarks that appeared to support or sympathise with terrorists. Sharma questioned how incidents in India could be linked to the violence being reported against Hindus in Bangladesh and rejected Singh’s comparison outright. VHP and Bajrang Dal protest in Bhopal Amid the political exchange, Hindu organisations staged protests in Bhopal against the violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. On Tuesday afternoon around 12:30 pm, workers and officials of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered in MP Nagar and raised slogans against the Bangladesh government. The protesters said that continuous incidents of violence, killings, and persecution of the Hindu community in Bangladesh are being reported, but the issue is not receiving adequate attention at the international level. They condemned the incidents and demanded intervention by the Government of India as well as international human rights organisations. The organisations warned that if the violence does not stop, similar protests would be organised across the country in the coming days. Muslim festival committee also demonstrates Separately, the All-India Muslim Festival Committee also held a protest in Bhopal on Tuesday, condemning the violence in Bangladesh. The demonstration took place in the Itwara area, where an effigy of the Bangladesh government was burned. Committee patron Shamsul Hasan said the protest was not merely symbolic but reflected widespread concern and anger over the situation. Hasan said the violence and killings being reported in Bangladesh were disturbing and inhumane, and stressed that the issue goes beyond any one community. He said atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh are a serious human rights concern that should be raised strongly at international forums. The committee demanded that the Government of India take firm and effective steps to address the situation and ensure the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh. Political debate continues As protests and counter-statements continue, the issue has triggered a wider political debate, with leaders and organisations from different backgrounds expressing concern over the reported violence in Bangladesh and calling for diplomatic and humanitarian intervention.