Harsh treatment of minorities in Bangladesh appalling, of immense concern to Indian Muslims

Counterview Desk

Citizens For Fraternity* writes to Mohammad Yunus on victimisation of minorities in Bangladesh:

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The recent harsh treatment and victimisation of minorities in Bangladesh, is appalling and of immense concern to Indian Muslims. As Muslims we are dismayed and disappointed at such unislamic behaviour, patently against the tenets of Islam and the path shown by the Prophet (PBUH). We truly hope the Govt of Bangladesh comes down heavily on all communal elements and ensure full security to its Hindu population as well as other minorities. We univocally condemn it. It is an act of cowardice that projects Islam in a negative light, which stresses the importance of protection of the minorities. Treatment of minorities is the critical test for democracy. Minorities should be protected in all societies irrespective of their race or religion.

Most distressing is the development that no lawyer is prepared to defend the aggrieved in fear of reprisals from their co-religionists.

If the present Bangladesh government does not curb this deplorable development it would reflect tacit support. South Asia needs to reflect on this sordid development, engulfing the region. We must speak out and condemn this violation of human rights and UN charter of safeguarding the interests of the minorities. We strongly condemn this mistreatment of the minorities and urge the Bangladesh authorities to take immediate and corrective actions.

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*Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India; Dr. Najeeb Jung, Former LG of Delhi and Ex-VC, JMI; Lt. Gen Zameer Uddin Shah, Former Deputy Chief of Army Staff & Ex VC, AMU; Mr. Shahid Siddiqui Former MP & Editor, Nai Duniya M Duniya; Mr. Saeed Mustafa Shervani, Industrialist & Former President, Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India

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