Geert Wilders, Dutch lawmaker, raises the issue of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh

*Paromita Das

The Nupur Sharma controversy has drawn strong criticism from around the world for India. Numerous Hindus who backed Nupur Sharma have received death threats. India has a cross-border, Hindu-supported ally in the Netherlands who has frequently provided wise counsel to India throughout this dispute.

Recently, Geert Wilders, a Dutch lawmaker, brought up the subject of Islamist violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and India on Tuesday in the Dutch parliament and pleaded for support for the Hindus from around the world. He also spoke about the lack of support for former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, who allegedly made “blasphemous” remarks and received serious threats of death.

The document posing 13 important questions in support of Hindus, their security, and safety was shared by Wilders on Twitter. He tweeted with the hashtag “Hindus are under attack,” stating, “My Parliamentary Questions from today about the Muslim violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and India, the lack of support for Nupur Sharma, and more international attention and support for Hindu safety and security.”

My Parliamentary Questions from today about the Muslim violence against #Hindus in #Bangladesh and #India, the lack of support for #NupurSharma and more international attention and support for Hindu safety and security. #HindusUnderAttack #HindusLivesMatter #Wilders pic.twitter.com/ovYoR11Upo

— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) July 19, 2022

Several recent attacks on Hindus in India are included in the list of inquiries sent to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Security, along with a demand for prosecution of the perpetrators. He brought up similar incidents and claimed that a Hindu tailor had been beheaded by two Muslim men for supporting Nupur Sharma. In addition to asking the Ministry to weigh in on the issues, Wilders insisted that it take a global stance in the cases.

The Dutch lawmaker also raised concerns about the rise in violence against minorities in Bangladesh. He requested the Ministry’s opinion on the burning of Hindu homes, places of worship, and businesses in Bangladesh. Are you prepared to publicly denounce Muslim violence against Hindus? was one of Wilders’ two key inquiries. Why not, then? and “Are you willing to ask the governments of Bangladesh and India to cooperate in improving the protection of Hindus? Why not, then?

It should be noted that Wilders also stated that he has been the target of death threats from a number of Islamists in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India for his support of Nupur Sharma. What are your thoughts on that? Will the suspects be located and brought to justice? He questioned the Parliament, “What international actions will you take to this end?”

The Dutch politician backed Nupur Sharma on June 14 by stating that he respected and backed Hinduism more than he did Islam. “Cultural relativism is an erroneous idea. While cultures may not be equal, people are. He has tweeted that “a culture based on humanity and freedom is always preferable to a culture based on intolerance and submission. He explicitly stated that Nupur Sharma had done nothing wrong in another tweet of this type. He added, “If there is any way I can help her, I will.”

“The police registered a FIR on charges of hurting religious feelings, promoting enmity and causing public mischief against Sharma.”

This is outrageous. She did nothing wrong.
If I can help her in any possible way, I will.#IsupportNupurSharma https://t.co/2EOrIrra6u

— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) June 12, 2022

Soon after declaring his support, Wilders started to receive threats to have him killed as soon as possible. The Dutch MP had shared numerous screenshots of threats, saying, “So this is what I get for supporting the brave Nupur Sharma. Hundreds of threats of death. I’m even more determined and proud to stand by her now. Because evil may never prevail. Never. #IsupportNupurSharma”.

So this is what I get supporting the brave #NupurSharma.

Hundreds of death threats.

It makes me even more determined and proud supporting her.

For evil may never win. Never. #IsupportNupurSharma pic.twitter.com/gsl6tnJAoF

— Geert Wilders (@geertwilderspvv) June 11, 2022

As was previously mentioned, Geert Wilders has long been outspoken in his opposition to Islamic radicalism and fundamentalism in his nation. As a member of parliament, he had opposed mass migration and claimed in front of lawmakers that by doing so, the government was bringing “a monster called Islam into the country.”