New Delhi - Tensions have flared between India and Bangladesh after the shocking abduction and killing of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a well-known leader in Bangladesh’s Hindu minority community. Roy, 58, was reportedly taken from his home in Dinajpur district on Wednesday evening, later found unconscious, and declared dead at a hospital. India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a strongly worded statement condemning the murder and holding the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh accountable for failing to safeguard minority groups. "We are deeply distressed by the abduction and brutal killing of Shri Bhabesh Chandra Roy," the statement read. "This tragic incident reflects a disturbing pattern of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, with little effort to bring the culprits to justice." The Indian government called on Bangladesh’s authorities to take meaningful steps to protect all its citizens, regardless of faith, and stop offering excuses while attackers act with impunity.

Details of the Incident

According to local media, Roy received a phone call at around 4:30 pm, believed to be from his eventual attackers. Shortly after, four men arrived at his home on two motorcycles, abducted him, and took him to a nearby village. Family members told The Daily Star that he was brought back home unconscious and later pronounced dead at Dinajpur hospital.

Political War of Words in India

The incident has sparked a fierce political exchange in India. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, calling it ineffective in protecting minorities. "In Bangladesh, our Hindu brothers and sisters continue to face horrific violence," Kharge said, pointing to the murder of Roy as proof of diplomatic failure. He cited Indian parliamentary data claiming that 76 attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have occurred in just the last two months, leading to 23 deaths. The BJP swiftly responded, accusing Congress of politicizing foreign policy and ignoring minority issues within India itself. BJP spokesperson Charu Pragya defended the government’s diplomatic approach, stating that India’s relations should be based on national interests, not personal vendettas. “It’s irresponsible to attack the Prime Minister for maintaining ties with global leaders,” she told NDTV. “India’s relationship is with the nation of Bangladesh, not just its current leadership.”

US Issues Fresh Travel Advisory

Adding to concerns, the United States has updated its travel advisory for Bangladesh, urging its citizens to reconsider travel plans. The advisory highlighted ongoing political violence, kidnappings — including those targeting minorities — and the presence of separatist groups and sporadic attacks, including bombings and shootings. US government personnel have been barred from traveling to certain regions of Bangladesh without prior approval due to these security risks.