A group of expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus has urged the Indian government to call for UN sanctions against the current administration in Bangladesh to safeguard the rights of Hindus and other minorities. They are advocating for global intervention, the completion of the population exchange from the 1947 Partition, and the establishment of protected zones for religious minorities amid ongoing violence.
A group composed of expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus recently called upon the Indian government to advocate for United Nations sanctions against Bangladesh. This coalition, affiliated with the Global Bengali Hindu Coalition and settled in Europe and North America, seeks protections for religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly after the removal of the Sheikh Hasina government in August. During their visit to New Delhi, they presented a five-point action plan aimed at safeguarding Hindus and other marginalized groups from governmental hostility and violence.
Among their requests, the group urged India to initiate global measures, including the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces to aid minorities in Bangladesh. They stressed the need for targeted sanctions against the current administration, citing its failure to uphold the rights of religious minorities. Additionally, they proposed completing the unresolved population exchange traced back to the Partition of 1947, suggesting this would allow for the secure resettlement of displaced minorities. The leaders also called for the establishment of protected zones in Hindu-majority areas to ensure safety.
Furthermore, they advocated for a reassessment of Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, emphasizing India’s established support for such initiatives. Sitangshu Guha, one of the US-based leaders, remarked on India’s historical support during Bangladesh’s liberation, asserting that India must assist its Hindu population to avert extinction. The Indian government has conveyed concerns regarding the safety of Hindus and minority communities, in light of recent arrests and anti-minority violence.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated since Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid widespread protests, with the interim government denying reports of targeted violence against Hindus. Nevertheless, the coalition members highlighted that assaults on Hindu communities persist, attributing failures to previous Bangladeshi administrations. Arun Dutta, a member from Canada, noted the dramatic decline of the Hindu populace in Bangladesh, emphasizing the injustices experienced since 1947. The group cited a report documenting numerous attacks on Hindu properties and individuals in recent months, accentuating an urgent need for intervention.
The expatriate Bangladeshi Hindu group, which consists of individuals of Bangladeshi descent residing primarily in North America and Europe, has increasingly voiced concerns regarding the safety and rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. This issue has gained prominence following significant political changes in Bangladesh, marked by the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government. The decline in the Hindu population in Bangladesh, which dropped drastically since the 1950s, reflects systemic challenges and societal pressures faced by religious minorities. The group’s advocacy appears to be a response to ongoing reports of violence and discrimination against Hindus, with calls for international intervention and support to rectify historical grievances associated with the Partition.
The request from expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus for Indian government involvement in advocating for UN sanctions against Bangladesh underscores the urgent need for international attention on the treatment of religious minorities in the country. As violence against Hindus continues and with a call for systemic change including population exchanges and protective measures, the coalition seeks to leverage India’s historical role in Bangladesh’s past conflicts to ensure the safety and preservation of its Hindu community. The dynamics of Indo-Bangladeshi relations, particularly in light of these developments, are critical in understanding and addressing the situation facing Hindus in Bangladesh today.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
