India Condemns Bangladesh Violence, Calls for Fair Elections Amid Rising Tensions

India has expressed concern over the rising violence in Bangladesh, particularly against minority groups, and called for free and fair elections in the country. The external affairs ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, condemned the lynching of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, in Mymensingh and urged the perpetrators to be brought to justice. In a related development, Tarique Rahman, the son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and acting chairman of the BNP, returned to Dhaka after 17 years of self-imposed exile in London. Rahman's homecoming was marked by a massive rally, where he emphasized the need for unity and a safe Bangladesh for all citizens. The killing of Dipu Chandra Das has led to widespread condemnation from Indian celebrities, including actor Janhvi Kapoor, who termed the incident 'barbaric'. More arrests have been made in connection with the case, bringing the total to 18. The situation in Bangladesh remains tense, with reports of violence and protests in the wake of the death of youth leader Osman Hadi last week. A crude bomb was hurled from a flyover in Dhaka, killing one person and injuring others. As Bangladesh prepares for parliamentary elections in February 2026, India has called for a peaceful and inclusive process. The Indian government's statement is seen as a clear message to the Bangladesh government to address the growing concerns over minority rights and ensure a fair election process.