New Delhi Issues Stern Diplomatic Warning After Brutal Murder of Bhabesh Chandra Roy

India has strongly condemned the abduction and murder of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a prominent Hindu minority leader in northern Bangladesh, issuing a scathing diplomatic rebuke to the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. The Ministry of External Affairs accused Dhaka of failing to safeguard minority communities and allowing systematic persecution to go unchecked.

In an official statement, the MEA said, "We have noted with deep concern the abduction and brutal killing of Shri Bhabesh Chandra Roy. This horrific incident reflects a disturbing pattern of targeted violence against Hindu minorities under the current interim administration. Perpetrators of previous such crimes continue to enjoy impunity, highlighting the absence of accountability."

The ministry further urged the Bangladeshi authorities to uphold their duty of protecting all minorities, stating, "We remind the interim government of its obligation to ensure the safety and dignity of every citizen, without bias or excuse."

The Incident

Bhabesh Chandra Roy, 58, was abducted from his residence in Basudebpur village, Dinajpur district—approximately 330 km northwest of Dhaka—on Wednesday. According to local reports and police sources, Roy received a phone call around 4:30 pm from individuals believed to be his assailants.

About half an hour later, four men arrived on two motorcycles and forcibly took him to Narabari village. He was reportedly beaten before being returned home in an unconscious state. Roy was rushed to a hospital in Dinajpur, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Political Fallout: Congress vs BJP

The incident has sparked a political firestorm 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 securing protections for minorities.

"In Bangladesh, our Hindu brothers and sisters continue to face brutal atrocities. The murder of Mr. Bhabesh Chandra Roy clearly indicates that the Prime Minister's diplomatic overtures have yielded no tangible outcomes," Kharge said in a statement.

He cited parliamentary data claiming 76 attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh over the past two months, resulting in 23 deaths, and alleged that similar threats persist against other minority groups.

Responding sharply, BJP spokesperson Charu Pragya accused the Congress of politicizing foreign affairs and ignoring similar issues at home.

"Instead of questioning PM Modi’s diplomacy, Congress should reflect on its silence over repeated attacks on Hindus in West Bengal," she said. "India’s relationship is with the nation of Bangladesh, not just a specific regime. Foreign policy should be driven by strategic interests, not political grudges."

US Issues Updated Travel Advisory

Meanwhile, the United States has reissued a travel advisory for Bangladesh, urging its citizens to reconsider visiting the country due to the continued unrest and rising violence since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"Kidnappings, often targeting religious minorities, remain a significant threat. Political instability, IED attacks, and active shootings add to the risk profile," the advisory warned. It further stated that prior approval from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs is required to visit certain regions, and US government employees are restricted from traveling to those areas altogether.