India in touch with Bangladesh over attacks on Hindus

India said Monday that it was in touch with Bangladesh over reports of attacks on Hindus during and after the general election there.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said the government was aware of the reports of attacks on minorities in the past few days.

He said the Bangladesh home ministry had ordered police to provide security to religious minorities and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was sworn in Sunday, "has promised strong action against the culprits".

He said several attackers had been arrested in Dinajpur and Jessore.

He said the Bangladesh government was responsible for protecting the minorities and the Indian mission was "closely following the situation and is in touch with the concerned authorities in Bangladesh".

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and the Jamaat-e-Islami have been blamed for the attacks on Hindus, who they see as backing the ruling Awami League.