The Centre for Democracy, Pluralism and Human Rights (CDPHR) is an organisation that is interested in global human rights and democracy issues. The organisation has published human rights reports on several countries around the world. The organisation has already published one country-based report on the human rights situation in Bangladesh. This latest report is specifically focused on the ongoing political unrest in the country after the beginning of months-long protests on June 5, 2024, over the quota issue.
The report was released on September 4, 2024, at the Constitution Club of India in Delhi. The event saw a substantial turnout of [number] attendees and featured distinguished speakers, including: Chief Guest, Swapan Dasgupta, Former Member of Parliament and Renowned Journalist; Guest of honour, Abhijit Majumder, Prominent Journalist and Author; Guest of honour, Deep Halder, Author of ‘Being Hindu in Bangladesh’ and Journalist.
Speakers provided insights into the current unrest and the conditions faced by the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Swapan Dasgupta, Former Member of Parliament and Renowned Journalist Swapan Dasgupta described the rapid escalation of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh that occurred just two days after Sheikh Hasina’s departure, despite claims of the unrest being spontaneous. This violence targeted Hindus specifically, a fact even acknowledged by the Prime Minister of India. He also emphasised that organisations like ISKCON and Bharat Sewa Sansad are acting as vital protectors for the Hindu community. He highlighted several critical issues concerning the situation of Bangladeshi Hindus. He criticised the systemic discrepancies where Hindus often enter India without proper documentation, while Jamaat members, Muslims, and Rohingyas enter with voter cards and Aadhar cards. He also pointed out that Bangladesh’s policy seems to involve offloading its population burden onto India, with groups like Khalida Zia’s supporters, who are known for their anti-India sentiment, exacerbating the situation. He urged India to send a clear message that it remains open to Bangladeshi Hindus, affirming their status as part of the broader Indian family and recognizing the need to support and safeguard them in the face of such persecution.
Abhijit Majumder, Prominent Journalist and Author addressed the attendees by highlighting a troubling surge in anti-Hindu and anti-Buddhist attacks, noting that there were 205 such incidents in just one week. He revealed a disturbing trend of about 450 attacks per year over the past eight years. This rise in violence points to a significant failure on the part of the Bharat government and Hindu society in effectively addressing the situation in Bangladesh, largely due to an over-reliance on Sheikh Hasina and a lack of consideration for alternative approaches.He criticised the miscalculation in Bangladesh, attributing it to a narrow perspective rooted in the context of 1971, he added that to effectively address rising violence and ensure better protection for Hindus and Buddhists, Hindu organisations need to mobilise street power by rallying people and funds. Simultaneously, treat Bangladesh as an Islamic country and try to open channels with all stakeholders, including smaller neighbors but not solely relying on the façade of peace and remaining vigilant to prevent future harms.
Deep Halder, author of “Being Hindu in Bangladesh” and a journalist, stated in his speech that The situation of “Islamo-trauma” is currently occurring in Bangladesh, exemplified by the prosecution of minorities during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, which has been a persistent concern. This situation is compounded by the influence of madrassas that propagate hatred among the youth, exacerbating communal tensions. For the first time, global media had to address the plight of Hindus, highlighting the severe discrimination they faced. Efforts to obscure these realities included the forced resignation of Hindus from their jobs, which was attempted to be masked by creating misleading narratives, the protections once afforded to Hindus by Sheikh Hasina’s government are now gone. Even during her tenure, Hindus faced persistent attacks. Today, these communities find themselves with little support and few avenues for assistance. While Md. Yunus may make optimistic statements, the harsh realities on the ground paint a different picture. It is crucial for the global community to maintain its focus on the plight of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh and not turn a blind eye to their ongoing struggles.
Dr Prerna Malhotra, President, CDPHR addressed the attendees, highlighting the escalating Islamization in Bangladesh, likening the situation to sitting atop a volcano poised to erupt at any moment. This volatility poses a grave threat to the country’s minority communities, particularly Hindus. The troubling developments of recent decades have already had significant repercussions, and the current trajectory suggests a worsening future for Hindus in Bangladesh. Without decisive intervention from international organisations, governments, and societal leaders, there is a serious risk that the Hindu population could face extinction.
The illegitimate government has not shown any improvement in the conditions of minorities over the past 3 weeks. The government has failed to maintain law and order and protect the rights of minorities.
The trajectory of ‘new’ Bangladesh looks very dark for the religious and ethnic minorities in the country. Already, the Hindus of the country have been depleted steeply in the last few decades and the reasons could be out of the three- got killed, converted or fled. What further awaits them is too gloomy. The only ray of hope is the unity shown by Bangladesh minorities in coming out for their human rights. The government of Bangladesh cannot derelict its moral and constitutional duty to protect the minoritics. By pandering to extremists and Islamists they are endangering their future in the country.
India share a responsibility to protect the minorities in Bangladesh and ensure that they survive and flourish in their country. India has a civilisational responsibility towards these minorities, they need India’s complete diplomatic, political, economic and legal protection. In such a dark, insecure and uncertain environment India, that is Bharat, should effectively play its predestined role as a dharmic civilisational state that protects the persecuted minorities in this neighbourhood.
