Bangladesh Amidst the recent political turmoil in India, the Hindu community is being selectively targeted. Attacks on temples, disrupting religious festivals and accusing Hindu leaders of treason have become a regular phenomenon. Especially after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government, the situation has become more serious. India has made its concern clear on this and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have held an emergency meeting on this issue.
Attacks on Hindus amid political turmoil
Hindus constitute only 8 percent of Bangladesh’s population of 17 crore, but this minority population is constantly facing violence and discrimination. More than 200 attacks have taken place in more than 50 districts since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. These incidents include the destruction of temples, disruption of Durga Puja celebrations, and direct attacks on Hindu businessmen and families.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu’s arrest and its impact
The arrest of ISKCON member and Hindu saint Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu at Dhaka airport on 25 November sparked outrage across the country. The religious leader, arrested on treason charges, was denied bail and sent to jail. After this, large scale protests started in Chittagong.
Thousands of people gathered outside a court in Chittagong on Thursday demanding his release. Violence broke out during the demonstration and a lawyer, Saiful Islam Alif, was killed. This incident only led to further increase in the wave of violence.
Resentment and international pressure from American Hindu organizations
Condemning the incidents happening in Bangladesh, many Hindu organizations in America have strongly reacted to it. He has urged the US government to provide aid to Bangladesh on the condition that the safety of minorities there is ensured.
India’s stance: PM Modi and Jaishankar’s strategy
The discussion on this issue between Prime Minister Modi and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar was serious. The Indian government has made it clear that it will not tolerate the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh. According to government sources, preparations are being made to give a statement on this issue in Parliament. The opposition has also created a ruckus in the House to demand answers from the government on this matter.
According to the government, if the Parliament session goes smoothly, the Foreign Minister will soon give his official statement on this issue.
Bangladesh government’s response
Mohammad Yunus, Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, has strongly condemned the violence in Chittagong and the murder of the lawyer. He has ordered an investigation, but the Hindu community alleges that incidents of discrimination and attacks against them have increased under the Yunus administration.
History of the problem and future challenges
Bangladesh has a long history of violence against Hindus. Minority communities have been targeted there since partition. Although the situation had improved to some extent under Sheikh Hasina’s government, the problem has worsened in her absence.
Strong relations between India and Bangladesh are essential for both countries. But attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have become a challenge for India. There is now pressure on the Indian government to raise this issue on the international platform and put pressure on Bangladesh.
The increasing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh has become not just a religious problem but a matter of international concern. India and other global powers must work together to ensure that minorities in Bangladesh get protection and respect.
