Bangladesh Violence: Silent march, loud voice

In recent days, during and after the regime change of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, incidents of violence against Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other minority communities have been continuously occurring in the neighbouring country. This is a matter of concern not just for India but for the entire world. Such incidents have no place in a civilised society. These attacks have given

The genocide of minorities living in Bangladesh must be stopped. In light of the targeted killings, looting, arson, heinous crimes against women, and attacks on temples and other religious sites against Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh, the Nari Shakti Forum organised a silent protest in the form of the ‘Nari Shakti Forum’ on August 16 from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding an end to the atrocities and efforts to stop them across India and the world. Women active and working in all spheres of society participated in this march. A large number of professors, teachers, doctors, female lawyers, bankers, engineers, nurses, homemakers, industrial workers, and retired IPS, IFS, and IAS female officers were among the participants. In solidarity with the Hindu, Buddhist, and other minority communities suffering persecution in Bangladesh, the gathered crowd wore black bands on their faces to protest the violence against them. The march was addressed at Mandi House and Jantar Mantar by prominent women, including Nari Shakti Forum’s convener Monika Arora, renowned Padma Shri award-winning Kathak dancer Uma Sharma, former Indian diplomat to Bangladesh Seema Sikri, and JNU professor Jyoti Raj, among others.

While addressing the march at Jantar Mantar, the speakers reminded the audience that today is August 16, the day on which, in 1946, the Muslim League initiated “Direct Action Day” in Calcutta to demand a separate country, Pakistan, based on the two-nation theory, resulting in the massacre of thousands of Hindus. The speakers drew parallels to the current situation in Bangladesh, where the properties of Hindus are being seized, looted, and young girls are being abducted and subjected to gang rape. The attacks on Hindus by radical groups have created a state of fear for the millions of Hindu families living in Bangladesh. The speakers also criticised certain Indian politicians, Bollywood actors, and so-called secular social activists for their silence on the violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, questioning why the human rights of Hindus seem to hold no value for them. This mindset is concerning for humanity as a whole. The people of India stand with the Hindus and other minorities suffering in Bangladesh. The Nari Shakti Forum demanded that the interim Government of Bangladesh immediately put a stop to such incidents with strict action and ensure the protection of the lives, property, and dignity of the victims, along with their right to live a life of respect.

Memorandum Submitted to President

Subsequently, a memorandum was submitted by the Nari Shakti Forum to President Droupadi Murmu. The memorandum conveyed that the existence of Hindu and other minority communities in Bangladesh is under threat. As the world’s largest democracy, with deep cultural and historical ties to Bangladesh, India is uniquely positioned to take decisive action to protect these helpless people. We trust that your esteemed office will act swiftly to address this serious humanitarian crisis.