A group of expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus urges India to seek UN sanctions against Bangladesh due to increasing violence against Hindus. They recommend protective measures and the establishment of safe zones for minority groups, highlighting the need for global intervention following political changes in Bangladesh.
A coalition of expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus, associated with the Global Bengali Hindu Coalition, has urged the Indian government to advocate for United Nations sanctions against Bangladesh. This call comes in light of reported escalations of violence against the Hindu minority following the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government. Members of the group, currently in New Delhi for political discussions, emphasized the need for international intervention to safeguard the rights of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. They proposed a five-point action plan which includes the establishment of protected zones for Hindus and other vulnerable groups.
During a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents Club, the expatriates criticized the current Bangladeshi government, labeling it as illegal and hostile. They specifically appealed for UN peacekeeping forces to be deployed to ensure the protection of minorities. Furthermore, they called for the Indian government to finish the incomplete population exchange from the 1947 Partition and sought to reassess the peacekeeping contributions made by Bangladesh in light of the ongoing human rights violations. Sitangshu Guha, a leader of the group, remarked on India’s historical role in supporting Bangladeshi independence and urged for immediate action to protect the rights of Bangladesh’s Hindu community.
The relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated following the political upheaval in Bangladesh, with reports of continued attacks on Hindu minorities by various factions. In opposition to the interim government’s assertions that reports of violence have been exaggerated, the expatriate group highlighted a report citing numerous assaults against Hindu temples and related establishments. They illustrated the urgent necessity for Indian intervention, asserting that neglecting their plight may lead to the extinction of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
The issues raised by the expatriate Bangladeshi Hindu group encompass long-standing concerns regarding the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, who have faced significant persecution since the 1947 Partition. This group’s appeal for UN sanctions is intertwined with their perception of an escalating climate of hostility toward minority communities, particularly after the Sheikh Hasina government’s recent political troubles. The discussion on human rights and minority protection is central to the broader geopolitical relationships between India and Bangladesh, particularly in light of Bangladesh’s historical dependence on Indian resources and support in various forms.
In summary, the expatriate Bangladeshi Hindu group’s appeal for UN sanctions on Bangladesh underscores the critical situation facing religious minorities. Their demand for international intervention reflects deep concerns regarding human rights violations and the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. By advocating for protective measures and the completion of the population exchange from the 1947 Partition, they aim to mobilize both Indian and global attention towards ensuring the survival of minority communities within Bangladesh.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
