NEW DELHI: A group of eminent Indian citizens, including retired judges, bureaucrats, and a sitting Member of Parliament, has issued a fervent appeal to the Indian government to intervene in the escalating persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. The appeal highlights the alarming rise in violence, discrimination, and human rights abuses targeting the Hindu minority, including the unjust arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on fabricated charges
Hon'ble PM @narendramodi, we, a group of 68 retired Judge of High Court, IAS, IPS, IRS, IIS, IFS and state officers, along with a sitting Member of Parliament, have signed and submitted an urgent appeal regarding the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, including the unjust… pic.twitter.com/doQRRksPzb
— Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) November 27, 2024
The Plight of Hindus in Bangladesh
The appeal paints a grim picture of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, who are facing systematic discrimination, violence, and persecution. The attacks against Hindu religious sites, homes, and businesses have intensified, with perpetrators often going unpunished. Hindu women, in particular, are vulnerable to abduction, forced conversion, and sexual violence.
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent religious leader, for peacefully protesting against the injustices faced by the Hindu community has further exacerbated the situation. His detention on false charges is seen as a blatant attack on freedom of speech and assembly.
The group has put forth a series of demands to the Indian government:
Immediate Protection for Hindus: The Bangladeshi government must take immediate steps to protect Hindu religious sites, homes, and businesses from further attacks. The safety and security of the Hindu community should be prioritised, and perpetrators of violence must be brought to justice.
Release of Detained Leaders: The immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and other religious leaders who have been unjustly arrested is essential. All charges against them should be dropped, and their right to peaceful protest should be upheld.
Justice for Hindu Women: The Bangladeshi government must investigate the increasing cases of violence, abduction, and forced conversion of Hindu women. Perpetrators must be brought to justice, and legal protections must be implemented to safeguard Hindu women.
Protection of Employment and Property Rights: The unlawful removal of Hindu government employees from their jobs and the seizure of their properties must cease. Hindus in Bangladesh must be allowed to live with dignity, free from social and economic persecution.
International Sanctions: The Indian government should consider imposing targeted international sanctions against Bangladesh, particularly against individuals and entities complicit in religious persecution and human rights violations.
Diplomatic Action: India should raise the issue of Hindu persecution in Bangladesh at international forums like the United Nations and the Human Rights Council. Diplomatic pressure should be exerted on the Bangladeshi government to end its discriminatory practices and protect the rights of religious minorities.
The appeal emphasises the urgent need for the global community to unite against religious intolerance and discrimination. India, as a regional power and a staunch advocate of human rights, has a moral obligation to take decisive action to protect the rights and safety of Hindus in Bangladesh.
