India Slams Bangladesh’s Persecution of Hindus, Demands Action Against Anti-Minority Crackdown

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th Nov. The Indian government has expressed serious concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Manch and head of the Pundarik Dham in Chittagong. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called the incident unfortunate, especially given that the perpetrators of attacks against minorities remain at large while a religious leader advocating for peaceful protests faces charges.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Mohammad Yunus, has dismissed the issue as a domestic matter. However, escalating violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, has drawn widespread criticism from global observers. Since August, over 2,000 attacks on Hindu temples, businesses, and homes have been reported. Despite these incidents, the Yunus administration has failed to curb radical Islamist groups, raising questions about its governance.

Activists, including Taslima Nasreen, have condemned the situation, accusing the Yunus government of not only failing to protect minorities but also targeting Hindu leaders. Recently, 19 Hindu leaders, including Das, were charged with allegedly hoisting a saffron flag atop Bangladesh’s national flag during a protest in Chittagong. Das has been a vocal critic of the rising attacks on Hindus since the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5.

The interim government has faced allegations of appeasing radical groups like Hifazat-e-Islam. Reports suggest that Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, may be influencing Bangladesh’s domestic policies, with signs of the country shifting towards a more Islamist agenda. Bangladesh’s Attorney General recently proposed removing “socialism” and “secularism” from the constitution, sparking fears of further radicalization.

India has called on Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its minorities, emphasizing the need to uphold their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Despite the extradition treaty between the two nations, the case presents complex challenges. Sheikh Hasina, known for her pro-India stance, remains in exile in India, further complicating bilateral relations.

The deteriorating situation has led to large-scale protests by Hindus in Bangladesh, with over 30,000 people rallying in Chittagong to demand an end to the violence and the withdrawal of charges against Hindu leaders. International pressure is mounting on the Yunus government to act decisively to protect minorities and restore faith in its commitment to human rights.