Expat Bangladeshi Hindus Urge India for UN Action Against Bangladesh
Expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus are urging the Indian government to seek UN sanctions against Bangladesh to protect Hindus and other minorities amid rising violence following the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government. They propose several measures, including international intervention and reassessing India’s support for Bangladesh’s UN peacekeeping contributions, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent the extinction of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
A group of expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus, linked to the Global Bengali Hindu Coalition, has urged the Indian government to advocate for UN sanctions against Bangladesh due to concerns regarding the treatment of Hindus and other religious minorities. As they gather in New Delhi for discussions with political leaders, they cite the rising violence and discrimination against these communities, particularly after the recent political upheaval that led to the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government.
The expatriate group issued a five-point plan, requesting international intervention, including the deployment of UN peacekeeping troops in Bangladesh to safeguard minorities. They also demand targeted sanctions against the current administration for its failure to uphold human rights and dignity for religious minorities. Moreover, they stress the need to address the longstanding issue of population exchange initiated during the 1947 Partition to facilitate the resettlement of displaced groups.
In addition to these calls, the group suggests the formation of protected zones in areas predominantly inhabited by Hindus to ensure their safety. They urge the Indian government to reassess its support for Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions in response to the worsening situation. Sitangshu Guha, a prominent leader of the expatriate community, expressed hope for India’s intervention, referencing India’s historical role in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 and highlighting the urgent need to protect the Hindu population, which currently stands at perilous low levels due to ongoing violence and discrimination.
Despite reassurances from the interim Bangladeshi government regarding the exaggeration of reports detailing assaults on Hindus, the expatriates maintain that attacks are persistent. They emphasize that previous administrations, including that of Sheikh Hasina, have neglected to protect the Hindu community, thereby allowing extremist elements to flourish unchallenged. The group also presented a report documenting numerous attacks on Hindu places of worship and community spaces in recent months, which they attribute to a failure of governance and protection for minorities in Bangladesh.
The context surrounding the expatriate Bangladeshi Hindu group’s plea to the Indian government highlights significant concerns regarding the safety and rights of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Historically, the Hindu population in Bangladesh has declined dramatically since 1947, falling from 22% in 1951 to less than 8% in 2022. The current political instability following the Sheikh Hasina government’s removal has exacerbated fears of violence against these communities. Furthermore, humanitarian issues have arisen, prompting activists to seek international intervention to restore and protect the rights of minorities in the region.
In conclusion, the expatriate Bangladeshi Hindu group’s advocacy for UN sanctions against Bangladesh underscores the urgent need for protective measures for minorities facing persecution. With an alarming decline in the Hindu population and numerous reports of violence targeting this community, their call for Indian governmental support aims not only to address immediate threats but also rectify historical injustices. The collective appeal for international attention and action reflects a desperate situation that demands global awareness and intervention to safeguard human rights in Bangladesh.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
