A call to stand in Solidarity with Hindu Society of Bangladesh
The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha expresses its serious concern on the unabated and planned violence, injustice and oppression faced by the Hindu and other minority communities at the hands of radical Islamist elements in Bangladesh. This is clearly a serious case of violation of human rights.
During the recent regime change in Bangladesh, several incidents of attacks on mutts, temples, Durgapuja pandals and educational institutions, desecration of deities , barbaric killings, looting of properties, abduction and molestation of women and forcible conversions are being continuously reported. To deny the religious angle of these incidents by claiming them to be only political, is negation of truth as scores of victims of such incidents belong to Hindu and other minority communities only.
It is nothing new that the persecution of Hindus and other minority communities, especially scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in Bangladesh at the hands of fanatic Islamist elements is nothing new. The continuous decline of Hindu population in Bangladesh ( From 22 percent in 1951 to 7.95 percent today ) indicates the existential crisis for them. However, the governmental and institutional support for the violence and hatred witnessed during last year is a serious cause of concern. Along with this, the persistent anti Bharat rhetoric in Bangladesh can severely damage the relationship between the two countries.
There is a concerted effort on the part of some international forces to foment instability in the entire region surrounding Bharat by creating an atmosphere of distrust and confrontation pitting one country against another. The ABPS calls upon thought leaders and scholars in international relations to keep vigil on such anti Bharat atmosphere, activities of Pakistan and Deep State and expose them. The ABPS wishes to underscore the fact that the entire region has a shared culture, history and social bonds because of which any upheaval at one place raises concern throughout the region. The ABPS feels that all vigilant people should make efforts towards strengthening this shared legacy of Bharat and neighbouring countries.
A noteworthy fact during all this period is that Hindu society in Bangladesh has courageously resisted these atrocities in a peaceful, collective and democratic way. Also, it is commendable that this resolve found moral and psychological support from the Hindu society in Bharat as well as from across the globe. Various Hindu organizations in Bharat and different countries voiced their concern against this violence and demanded security and honour of Bangladesh Hindus through demonstrations and petitions. The issue has also been raised by many leaders from international community at their level.
The Government of Bharat has expressed its resolve to stand with the Hindu and other minority communities of Bangladesh and need of their protection. The Government of Bharat has taken up the issue with the interim Government of Bangladesh as well as on several global platforms. The ABPS urges the Government of Bharat to make all possible efforts to ensure the protection, dignity and wellbeing of Hindu community in Bangladesh alongwith engaging Government of Bangladesh in continuous and meaningful dialogue.
The ABPS is of the opinion that it is incumbent on the International organizations like UN and global community to take serious note of the inhumane treatment meted out to Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh and pressurize Bangladesh government to put a halt to these violent activities. The ABPS also calls upon Hindu community and leaders from different countries and international organizations to raise their voice in solidarity with the Hindu and other minority communities of Bangladesh.
