Expat Bangladeshi Hindus are urging India to seek UN sanctions against Bangladesh to protect minorities amid rising anti-Hindu sentiment following the political upheaval after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. The group has outlined demands for international intervention and the creation of safe zones for minorities, aiming to address ongoing violence and discrimination against Hindus in Bangladesh.
A coalition of expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus, affiliated with the Global Bengali Hindu Coalition, has urged the Indian government to advocate for United Nations sanctions against Bangladesh. This initiative follows a recent rise in hostility towards Hindus and other minorities since the political upheaval following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in August. The group is visiting India to engage in discussions with political leaders regarding the plight of minority communities in Bangladesh and to outline their demands for action.
During a press conference held at the Foreign Correspondents Club, the expatriates presented a five-point plan aimed at safeguarding Hindus and other marginalized groups in Bangladesh. They emphasized the need for international intervention and the establishment of UN peacekeeping forces to protect religious minorities in the country, citing the current administration as hostile and pro-jihadist. The group asserted that Bangladesh’s government has failed to uphold the human rights and dignity of these communities, necessitating a global response.
Furthermore, the coalition advocates for the completion of the “unfinished population exchange” as a legacy of the 1947 Partition, which they believe would facilitate the resettlement of displaced minorities. They proposed creating safe zones in Hindu-dominated areas to ensure the security of these populations in Bangladesh. The group also called on India to re-evaluate its support for Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, suggesting that reinvigorated scrutiny is warranted given the circumstances.
Sitangshu Guha, a leader of the coalition based in the United States, underscored the historical ties between India and Bangladesh, stating, “India is our best friend, it can help rescue the 20 million Hindus of Bangladesh.” This sentiment reflects a broader hope for Indian intervention to protect the dwindling Hindu population in Bangladesh, which has dramatically decreased from 22% in 1951 to merely 7.95% in 2022.
Despite claims from the interim Bangladeshi government that allegations of persecution against Hindus are exaggerated, the expatriates assert that attacks on the Hindu minority persist unabated. They referenced a report detailing numerous assaults on Hindu sites and communities, highlighting the urgent need for international awareness and assistance to protect these vulnerable populations.
As India-Bangladesh relations continue to strain in light of recent political changes, the expatriate group’s urgent call for intervention resonates with concerns regarding minority rights and the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, underscoring an ongoing humanitarian crisis that requires immediate attention and action.
The plight of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh has garnered international concern, particularly following the political changes instigated by widespread protests that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Historically, the Hindu population has faced discrimination and violence, leading to a significant decline in their numbers since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Currently, expatriate groups are seeking international support and intervention to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other religious minorities in the nation, reflecting a broader humanitarian issue that raises questions of human rights and governmental responsibility.
In summary, the expatriate Bangladeshi Hindu coalition’s appeal to the Indian government for UN sanctions against Bangladesh represents a significant effort to highlight and address the ongoing persecution of Hindus and other minorities in the country. As they advocate for international intervention and the establishment of safe zones for vulnerable populations, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive actions to protect these communities amid a backdrop of political turmoil and societal unrest.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
