Hindu protests erupt in Bangladesh amidst political turmoil, Yunus seeks amicable relations with India

By Nava Thakuria*

Recent public demonstrations in Dhaka and Chittagong have challenged the commonly held perception that Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh are always subjected to persecution by the Muslim majority. Following a period of significant political unrest that began in July, at least four large protests have emerged, the latest occurring on September 13, 2024.

Thousands gathered at the Shahbag intersection in Dhaka to demand immediate and effective action against ongoing attacks on minority communities and their places of worship. At the forefront of these protests were representatives from the Sanatani Adikhar Andolan, a coalition of Hindu organizations, including the Hindu Jagaran Mancha and the National Hindu Forum.

They criticized the Bangladeshi government for its inaction and presented an eight-point charter of demands. This charter includes calls for thorough investigations into each incident of violence against Hindu families and properties, with a focus on holding perpetrators accountable under the law.

Additionally, they demanded compensation and rehabilitation for victims, the establishment of a minority commission and ministry, and reserved seats for minorities in the national assembly. Protesters emphasized their identity as legitimate citizens of Bangladesh, firmly rejecting any claims of being outsiders or agents from India.

Since mid-July, nearly 850 people have lost their lives, and over 30,000 have been injured in the violent upheaval plaguing Bangladesh. Reports suggest that there have been approximately 1,000 incidents of violence targeting Hindus and other minorities since the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's regime.

Criticised for keeping mum on atrocities on minorities in India, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which claims to be a socio-cultural organization, expressed "deep concern" over the violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, condemning what it called "targeted killings, looting, arson, and assaults on women and temples."

RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale condemned the "brutality" and called on the interim government to take decisive measures to prevent further violence. He urged all political parties in India to stand in solidarity with the persecuted groups in Bangladesh and insisted that the Indian government prioritize the safety of Hindus and Buddhists in the predominantly Muslim nation.

In a televised address on September 11, interim government leader Professor Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed the administration's commitment to ensure justice and accountability for the killings that occurred in July and August. He paid tribute to the sacrifices made by numerous students, journalists, and civilians who opposed the authoritarian rule of the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina.

Yunus pledged that the government would provide medical treatment for those injured during the protests, highlighting the severe impact of police actions, including the targeting of protesters' eyes with rubber bullets.

The interim government, formed with significant public backing to oversee credible national elections in 90 days, may need to implement major reforms across various institutions before holding the polls in a country of 170 million people.

Recently, the administration announced plans to establish six commissions aimed at reforming critical sectors, including police, public administration, anti-corruption mechanisms, and the judiciary. Many Bangladeshis believe that genuine electoral reforms are essential for ensuring free and fair elections.

Tragically, five journalists lost their lives while covering the unrest, prompting the Geneva-based Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) to call for a swift investigation into their deaths.

Professor Yunus has emphasized his government's intention to maintain amicable relations with India, advocating for a partnership grounded in fairness and equality. On August 16, he spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who underscored the importance of protecting Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

Modi reportedly expressed his commitment to ensuring their safety and invited Yunus and a group of journalists to visit India at their convenience.

---

*Senior journalist based in Guwahati

Comments

Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan raises concerns over Jharkhand Adivasis' plight in Assam, BJP policies

By Our Representative The Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan (Save Democracy Campaign) has issued a pressing call to protect Adivasi rights in Jharkhand, highlighting serious concerns over the treatment of Jharkhandi Adivasis in Assam. During a press conference in Ranchi on November 9, representatives from Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh criticized the current approach of BJP-led governments in these states, arguing it has exacerbated Adivasi struggles for rights, land, and cultural preservation.

Promoting love or instilling hate and fear: Why is RSS seeking a meeting with Rahul Gandhi?

By Ram Puniyani* India's anti-colonial struggle was marked by a diverse range of social movements, one of the most significant being Hindu-Muslim unity and the emergence of a unified Indian identity among people of all religions. The nationalist, anti-colonial movement championed this unity, best embodied by Mahatma Gandhi, who ultimately gave his life for this cause. Gandhi once wrote, “The union that we want is not a patched-up thing but a union of hearts... Swaraj (self-rule) for India must be an impossible dream without an indissoluble union between the Hindus and Muslims of India. It must not be a mere truce... It must be a partnership between equals, each respecting the religion of the other.”

Right-arm fast bowler who helped West Indies shape arguably greatest Test team in cricket history

By Harsh Thakor* Malcolm Marshall redefined what it meant to be a right-arm fast bowler, challenging the traditional laws of biomechanics with his unique skill. As we remember his 25th death anniversary on November 4th, we reflect on the legacy he left behind after his untimely death from colon cancer. For a significant part of his career, Marshall was considered one of the fastest and most formidable bowlers in the world, helping to shape the West Indies into arguably the greatest Test team in cricket history.

Andhra team joins Gandhians to protest against 'bulldozer action' in Varanasi

By Rosamma Thomas* November 1 marked the 52nd day of the 100-day relay fast at the satyagraha site of Rajghat in Varanasi, seeking the restoration of the 12 acres of land to the Sarva Seva Sangh, the Gandhian organization that was evicted from the banks of the river. Twelve buildings were demolished as the site was abruptly taken over by the government after “bulldozer” action in August 2023, even as the matter was pending in court.

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

A Hindu alternative to Valentine's Day? 'Shiv-Parvati was first love marriage in Universe'

By Rajiv Shah The other day, I was searching on Google a quote on Maha Shivratri which I wanted to send to someone, a confirmed Shiv Bhakt, quite close to me -- with an underlying message to act positively instead of being negative. On top of the search, I chanced upon an article in, imagine!, a Nashik Corporation site which offered me something very unusual.

Will Left victory in Sri Lanka deliver economic sovereignty plan, go beyond 'tired' IMF agenda?

By Atul Chandra, Vijay Prashad* On September 22, 2024, the Sri Lankan election authority announced that Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) alliance won the presidential election. Dissanayake, who has been the leader of the left-wing JVP since 2014, defeated 37 other candidates, including the incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe of the United National Party (UNP) and his closest challenger Sajith Premadasa of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya.

Will Bangladesh go Egypt way, where military ruler is in power for a decade?

By Vijay Prashad* The day after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka, I was on the phone with a friend who had spent some time on the streets that day. He told me about the atmosphere in Dhaka, how people with little previous political experience had joined in the large protests alongside the students—who seemed to be leading the agitation. I asked him about the political infrastructure of the students and about their political orientation. He said that the protests seemed well-organized and that the students had escalated their demands from an end to certain quotas for government jobs to an end to the government of Sheikh Hasina. Even hours before she left the country, it did not seem that this would be the outcome.

A Marxist intellectual who dwelt into complex areas of the Indian socio-political landscape

By Harsh Thakor* Professor Manoranjan Mohanty has been a dedicated advocate for human rights over five decades. His work as a scholar and activist has supported revolutionary democratic movements, navigating complex areas of the Indian socio-political landscape. His balanced, non-partisan approach to human rights and social justice has made his books essential resources for advocates of democracy.

Tributes paid to pioneer of Naxalism in Punjab, who 'dodged' police for 60 yrs

By Harsh Thakor* Jagjit Singh Sohal, known as Comrade Sharma, a pioneer of Naxalism in Punjab, passed away on October 20 at the age of 96. Committed to the Naxalite cause and a prominent Maoist leader, Sohal, who succeeded Charu Majumdar, played hide and seek with the police for almost six decades. He was cremated in Patiala.

Search This Blog