Bengaluru: There is an increased atrocities on Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh, and it is the Time for Awareness and Action on plight of Hindus in Bangladesh, said Dr Anirban Ganguly in Bengaluru.
On Wednesday evening at the Kondajji Basappa Auditorium in Bengaluru, Dr. Anirban Ganguly, Chairman of the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, delivered a poignant address on the current status and challenges faced by Hindus in Bangladesh in an event organized by Manthana Karnataka.
The event shed light on the alarming situation of minorities in the country, particularly Hindus and Buddhists, who have increasingly found themselves marginalized amid a turbulent political landscape.
Dr. Ganguly opened his talk by emphasizing the dire circumstances that have enveloped these communities in Bangladesh. He pointed out that recent political developments have led to the ousting of minorities from various spheres of life. “The condition of Hindus has become terrible,” he stated, citing incidents such as the dismissal of the Chancellor of Bangladesh Technological University by students—a reflection of the broader unrest fueled by political turmoil. This unrest has not only affected educational institutions but has also seen numerous chancellors and pro-chancellors facing similar fates.
One striking aspect of Dr. Ganguly’s address was his critique of prominent intellectuals like Nobel laureates Amartya Sen and Abhijit Banerjee, who, despite their global recognition, have remained conspicuously silent on the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. This silence, he argued, raises questions about the responsibility of influential figures to speak out against injustices faced by vulnerable communities.
Throughout his speech, Dr. Ganguly traced the historical trajectory of Hindus in Bangladesh since the country’s inception. He noted that the current political climate has seen the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) becoming a junior partner to Jamaat-e-Islami, an organization with deep roots in extremist ideologies. “Jamaat is everywhere—in the military, in business—and their sole agenda is to regain power in Bangladesh while imposing Sharia law,” he warned. The chilling motto of this alliance, he added, is a “Hindus-free Bangladesh.”
The situation has escalated to the point where student protests, which initially began as expressions of dissent against governmental policies, have been co-opted by Jamaat. Dr. Ganguly described how these protests have turned violent, with reports of gun usage and tear gas being deployed against demonstrators. This shift underscores the complexities of political activism in Bangladesh and the challenges faced by those who dare to oppose the status quo.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Ganguly highlighted a crucial aspect of the relationship between India and Bangladesh over the past decade. He noted that India has emerged as a significant source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Bangladesh and has played a pivotal role in providing essential services, including electricity supply and COVID-19 vaccines. India’s commitment was evident when it supplied three million vaccines for free and offered additional doses at discounted prices during a critical time for Bangladesh.
As Dr. Ganguly concluded his address, he called for greater awareness and action regarding the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. He urged attendees to recognize the historical and ongoing struggles faced by minorities in the region and to advocate for their rights on both national and international platforms. The need for solidarity and support for these communities is more pressing than ever as they navigate an increasingly hostile environment.
In light of Dr. Ganguly’s insights, it becomes imperative for individuals and organizations alike to engage in dialogue and action that can foster understanding and support for Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The time for silence has passed; now is the moment to amplify voices calling for justice and equality in a nation grappling with its identity amid political upheaval.
Dr Devadas Baliga, President of Manthana Intellectual Forum, RSS Pranth Karyavah Dr M Jayaprakash, RSS Bengaluru Mahanagar Sanghachalak Milind Gokhale, Bengaluru Mahanagar Karyavah Dr Karunakar Rai, Bengaluru University Vice Chancellor Dr M Jayakar Shetty, Several Former Bureaucrats, Academicians, Public Intellectuals, Research Students attended the event.
In the beginning of the event, condolence was paid to Forrmer Chief Minister SM Krishna, who passed away on Tuesday morning in Bengaluru.
