Prominent Voices Call for Resolution Against Violence
New Delhi: A coalition of leading authors, academics, and civil society members have issued an open letter expressing grave concern over the escalating violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. They have called upon the Indian Parliament to pass a unanimous resolution condemning what they describe as a “wave of communal violence” targeting the Hindu minority in the neighboring country.
The signatories, including notable figures such as authors Amish Tripathi, Ashwin Sanghi, Abhishek Banerjee, Rajeev Mantri, Smita Barooah, and Supreme Court Advocate J Sai Deepak, highlighted their alarm over recent reports of increasing attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
“In recent days, we have observed deeply troubling events, including the burning of an ISKCON center in Meherpur, the vandalism of multiple Hindu temples across the country, and the dissemination of videos showing rioters celebrating the lynching of Hindus. Tragically, these acts of violence are neither isolated nor without precedent,” the letter stated.
Historical Context and Urgent Call to Action
The letter also underscores the historical persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, which has often intensified during periods of political instability. The authors note that since 1971, when approximately 2.5 million Hindus were killed by the Pakistani regime before the formation of Bangladesh, there has been an ongoing systematic pogrom against Hindus. Reports indicate over 3,600 attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh since 2013.
The recent resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, amid growing protests, has further destabilized the country. An interim government, led by Professor Mohammad Yunus, is now in power. The letter warns that these developments have exacerbated attacks on minority communities, making immediate action essential to prevent further atrocities.
The signatories have urged citizens to bring this critical issue to the attention of their elected representatives, emphasizing the need for a high-level government response. They call for the Indian Parliament to:
- Pass a unanimous resolution condemning the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
- Collaborate with international bodies, such as the United Nations, to pressure Bangladeshi authorities to protect their Hindu minority and hold perpetrators accountable.
- Advocate for humanitarian assistance and asylum options for Hindus fleeing persecution in Bangladesh.
Global Protests and International Response
On August 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus and emphasized the need for the safety and protection of minorities in Bangladesh. In a post on X, Modi stated, “India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security, and development.”
The violence in Bangladesh has sparked protests among Hindu communities not only in Bangladesh but also in cities like London and Toronto, where demonstrators have demanded safety for their lives and places of worship.
Hindus make up approximately 8% of Bangladesh’s 170 million population, and many have been attempting to flee to neighboring India to escape the violence. The letter concludes with an urgent plea for immediate action to safeguard the fundamental human rights of Hindus in Bangladesh and prevent further atrocities.
