India, March 7 -- India on Friday expressed concern at the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh, including the release of violent extremists, and reiterated its call for the interim government in Dhaka to protect Hindus and other minority communities.

The remarks by external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal came amid a sharp downturn in ties since a caretaker administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed office last August. They also came two days after Yunus said his government intends to go ahead with the trial of former premier Sheikh Hasina, currently in self-exile in India.

At the same time, Jaiswal noted the two sides recently held meetings focused on the sharing of waters of the Ganga riv...