Expat Bangladeshi Hindus Urge India to Seek UN Sanctions on Bangladesh
An expatriate group of Bangladeshi Hindus has urged the Indian government to call for UN sanctions against Bangladesh, demanding protection for Hindus and other minorities. The group, aligned with the Global Bengali Hindu Coalition, raised concerns over the targeting of religious minorities following the recent political turmoil in Bangladesh. They proposed various actions, including the establishment of protected zones and the completion of a population exchange linked to the 1947 Partition, to secure the safety of displaced minorities.
An expatriate group of Bangladeshi Hindus, primarily settled in Europe and North America and aligned with the Global Bengali Hindu Coalition, has called on the Indian government to advocate for United Nations sanctions against the interim government of Bangladesh. During a press conference in New Delhi, the group presented a five-point agenda aimed at protecting Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh amid growing concerns following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in August.
The group firmly believes that the Indian government should seek global intervention, potentially involving UN peacekeeping forces to safeguard these communities. They specifically demanded targeted sanctions against the current regime, alleging a failure to uphold human rights and dignity for religious minorities. In addition to this, they proposed the completion of the population exchange related to the 1947 Partition, which they believe is essential for the secure resettlement of displaced minorities.
The situation has deteriorated after Sheikh Hasina’s departure, with reports of increased violence against Hindus and claims of governmental negligence in providing protection. Observers within this expatriate group articulated that all Bangladeshi administrations, regardless of political affiliation, have historically neglected the safety of Hindus, enabling the rise of extremist elements.
They urged for the establishment of protected zones in Hindu-majority regions to ensure safety, alongside reassessing the contributions of Bangladesh to UN peacekeeping missions, citing that Bangladesh is one of the largest troop contributors worldwide. The group highlighted a decline in the Hindu population in Bangladesh from 22% in 1951 to 7.95% in 2022, attributing this demographic shift to persistent injustices and a lack of governmental support.
A report prepared by the Bangladesh United Sanatani Awakening Alliance substantiated their claims, detailing 51 attacks on Hindu temples and associated institutions between August and December of the previous year. These concerns have also been acknowledged by Indian officials, who have expressed their apprehension over the treatment of religious minorities to the interim Bangladeshi administration.
The leaders of this expatriate coalition have emphasized India’s historical role in supporting Bangladesh during its liberation in 1971, positing that it remains an indispensable ally in ensuring the safeguard of approximately 20 million Hindus currently residing in Bangladesh. The situation thus remains critical, necessitating urgent attention and action in the face of escalating threats to minority communities.
The call for UN sanctions stems from a significant decline in the Hindu population in Bangladesh, which has alluded to longstanding issues of discrimination and violence against this religious group since the nation’s independence. The expatriate association, made up of Bangladeshi Hindus living abroad, has become increasingly vocal about these concerns, particularly after the recent political upheaval that saw Sheikh Hasina’s government replaced by a caretaker administration. This shift in governance has been accompanied by reports of violence and repression directed at minorities, prompting calls for international intervention. The historical context, including India’s assistance during Bangladesh’s independence struggle in 1971, underlines the relationship dynamics between the two nations and the impact of Bangladeshi politics on Hindu communities.
The appeal made by the expatriate Bangladeshi Hindu group for UN sanctions against Bangladesh highlights a critical response to ongoing violence and discrimination against the Hindu minority. Their call for action reflects deeper concerns about the safety and rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention and safeguarding measures. The group’s engagement with Indian authorities signifies an attempt to garner support in addressing these pervasive issues, reinforcing the historical and diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh. Immediate action is invoked as essential to prevent the further marginalization and potential extinction of Hindu communities in Bangladesh.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
