Expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus are urging the Indian government to seek UN sanctions against Bangladesh due to the targeting of Hindus and other minorities. They advocate for global intervention, the completion of the unfinished 1947 population exchange, and protections for minorities in Bangladesh amid continuing violence against their community.
A collective of expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus has petitioned the Indian government to advocate for United Nations sanctions against Bangladesh, following concerns over the treatment of Hindus and other religious minorities. The delegation, associated with the Global Bengali Hindu Coalition and comprised of individuals from Europe and North America, addressed the media in New Delhi, highlighting the need for urgent action to safeguard these communities after the political upheaval in Bangladesh post-August 2023. They outlined a five-point agenda calling for global intervention and specific measures to protect the rights and safety of minorities in Bangladesh.
The group demands the completion of the population exchange initiated during the 1947 Partition, allowing secure residence for displaced minorities, alongside establishing protected zones in Hindu-majority areas within Bangladesh. Their advocacy includes reassessing Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping, asserting that these contributions should be reconsidered in light of the current government’s human rights record.
During a press conference, Sitangshu Guha, a leader from the group based in the United States, emphasized the historical ties between India and Bangladesh, requesting support for the endangered Hindu population. The delegation’s concerns have been echoed by some officials in India who have expressed apprehensions regarding the safety of minorities since the current interim government took over. The recent escalation of violence against Hindus, marked by numerous reported attacks on temples, sheds light on the challenges faced by this community.
Despite the interim government’s claims of exaggerated reports regarding attacks, the expatriate group maintains that discrimination against Hindus is a grave reality and has persisted through various administrations in Bangladesh. The group pointed to the alarming decline of the Hindu population in Bangladesh over the decades and the lack of effective protection for their rights. They argue that the Indian government’s proactive involvement is essential to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The group shared a report that documented numerous attacks on Hindu religious sites, substantiating their concerns with evidence of violence against their community in recent months. Continued advocacy for protection under international law and collaboration with Indian authorities remain central to their mission.
The context of this appeal lies within the deteriorating conditions for religious minorities in Bangladesh. Following a recent political crisis that led to the ousting of longtime leader Sheikh Hasina, the treatment of Hindus has drawn increasing global attention. The Global Bengali Hindu Coalition, involving expatriates from the region, has made it their mission to address and advocate for the rights of Hindus and other minorities, citing a long-standing decline in the Hindu population and the rising influence of Islamist groups within the country. Their focus on seeking international support highlights the urgency of their cause amidst ongoing reports of violence and discrimination against minorities in the region.
In summary, the expatriate Bangladeshi Hindu group’s call for Indian government intervention reflects a critical response to the escalating persecution faced by Hindus in Bangladesh. Their agenda emphasizes the necessity of global oversight and action, particularly through proposed UN sanctions and peacekeeping initiatives. As they advocate for the safeguarding of their community, the group’s appeals serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for religious minorities in Bangladesh and the potential leverage India holds to influence this situation.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
