Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, member of the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Sadasya, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), stated, “We have sent an appeal to the Union Government to take steps to protect Hindus in Bangladesh, where the situation has worsened.”
RSS Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Sadasya Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi appealed Union Government to ensure the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/MEwxgbWusJ
— Rajesh Padmar (@rajeshpadmar) August 7, 2024
On August 6, the Vishva Hindu Parishad voiced its concerns about attacks on minorities, including Hindus and Sikhs, in Bangladesh. They called on the global community to assist in ensuring the safety of those residing in the country.
Meanwhile, VHP president Alok Kumar said, “The situation is worrying. In such a situation it is the responsibility of the world community to take effective action for the safety of minorities and protection of human rights in Bangladesh,”
Alok Kumar further said that, religious sites, businesses, and homes of Hindus, Sikhs, and other minorities across Bangladesh have been attacked. “Till last night, 22 houses in Panchgarh alone, 20 houses in Jhenaidah, and 22 shops in Jessore became targets of jihadis, and in many districts, even crematoriums were vandalised. Temples and Gurudwaras have also been vandalised,” the VHP president said.
He noted that almost no district in Bangladesh has escaped the violence and terror. “It is appropriate to point out that Hindus, who were once 32 per cent in Bangladesh, are now less than 8 per cent and they too are victims of continuous Jihadi persecution,” Alok Kumar added.
“The condition of the oppressed minorities in Bangladesh is going from bad to worse,” he added. It is to be noted that, amid the escalating ‘anti-Hindu’ violence in Bangladesh, a devastating incident occurred in Jessore, where Islamic extremists set a hotel, Zabeer on fire, resulting in the deaths of 25 individuals. The hotel, a five-star establishment, was owned by Shaheen Chakladar, a leader of the Awami League party who had recently resigned and moved to India alongside Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to Bangladeshi media reports, the incident took place on Monday, August 5, 2024. Around 4 PM, an Islamist mob stormed Zabeer Hotel, located in Jessore, and unleashed chaos. They looted the lower sections of the hotel before pouring petrol and setting it ablaze. The hotel was crowded at the time, and hence the fire and suffocation led to the tragic deaths of 24 people.
Among the victims were looters who had entered the hotel during the riot but found themselves trapped and subsequently perished in the flames. The deceased also included an Indonesian national. Over 150 people sustained injuries in the incident and are currently undergoing treatment.
In another shocking incident, a mob of Islamic extremists attacked the residence of renowned Bangladeshi singer Rahul Ananda, looting and setting his house on fire.
According to reports, Rahul Ananda, along with his wife and son, managed to leave their home with only a few clothes before the mob arrived. While the family is physically safe, the psychological trauma has left them devastated.
On social media, many have noted that Rahul Ananda has always maintained a secular stance, showing love and respect for the Muslims in his country. Yet, this violent act is what he received in return.
Rahul Ananda’s house, located at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka, was a 140-year-old heritage building. After looting the residence, the mob set it ablaze. The fire destroyed over 3,000 musical instruments, many of which were handcrafted by Ananda himself. This residence had long served as a vibrant cultural hub for musicians.
It is noteworthy that the house of Rahul Ananda, which the Islamic extremists proudly destroyed, had long been a symbol of national pride for Bangladesh. Last year, former French President Emmanuel Macron visited this home during his official trip to Bangladesh. During the visit, Anand gifted Macron an ‘Ektara,’ a one-stringed Bengali musical instrument, and showcased various instruments that he had created and played.
