Expat Bangladeshi Hindus Call for UN Sanctions Against Bangladesh to Protect Minorities
A group of expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus has requested that the Indian government advocate for UN sanctions against Bangladesh, citing increasing violence and persecution against Hindus following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. They have outlined a five-point action plan, urging for global intervention, targeted sanctions, the establishment of protective zones for minorities, and a reassessment of Bangladeshi peacekeeping contributions. Their statements reflect ongoing tensions and the declining Hindu population in Bangladesh, which has fallen dramatically since 1951.
In a compelling appeal to the Indian government, a group of expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus has called for United Nations (UN) sanctions against Bangladesh and the completion of the “unfinished population exchange” from the 1947 Partition. This collective, which claims to represent Bangladeshi minorities residing in Europe and North America, is advocating for measures to safeguard Hindus and other religious minorities amid escalating tensions following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August. During their visit to New Delhi, these expatriates outlined a five-point action plan, emphasizing the necessity for global intervention due to the increasing persecution by what they describe as a “hostile and pro-jihadist illegal government” in Bangladesh.
Among their demands, the group urged India to petition the UN for sanctions targeting the Bangladeshi regime for its failure to uphold human rights and the dignity of religious minorities. In addition, they insisted on the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in the region to ensure the safety of these vulnerable populations. Furthermore, they proposed the establishment of “protected zones” in areas with significant Hindu populations and called for the Indian government to reconsider its support for Bangladeshi peacekeeping contributions to UN missions in light of the situation.
Sitangshu Guha, a prominent leader within the group, underscored the role of India during Bangladesh’s liberation in 1971, expressing confidence that India is capable of assisting the estimated 20 million Hindus in Bangladesh. He remarked on the urgent need for Indian intervention to prevent the community’s extinction. Despite India’s previous expressions of concern regarding the targeting of minorities, the situation has reportedly worsened since Sheikh Hasina resigned amid civil unrest, and the interim government has minimized the perceived scale of the violence against Hindus.
The expatriate group highlighted the troubling decline of the Hindu population in Bangladesh—from 22% in 1951 to a mere 7.95% in 2022—attributing this reduction to ongoing injustices experienced by the community. They presented a report detailing numerous recent attacks on Hindu religious sites, reflecting a pattern of violence that underscores the precarious situation facing Hindus in Bangladesh today.
The Indian government’s historical and present-day engagement with the plight of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh raises critical questions about diplomatic relations and regional stability. This situation necessitates urgent attention and action to safeguard the rights and security of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
The issue of minority rights, particularly concerning Hindu populations in Bangladesh, has been a longstanding and contentious topic. Since the Partition of India in 1947, the demographic landscape has shifted dramatically, with minority communities often facing discrimination, violence, and marginalization. Recent events have intensified these concerns, prompting expatriate groups to reach out to the Indian government in hopes of invoking international support for their cause. The removal of Sheikh Hasina from power and the incoming interim government have sparked fears about a resurgence in anti-minority sentiment and violence, further complicating relations between India and Bangladesh as they navigate these social tensions.
In conclusion, the calls from the expatriate Bangladeshi Hindu group for UN sanctions against Bangladesh highlight the grave concerns regarding the safety and rights of religious minorities in the country. Their proposed measures seek not only to raise awareness of the plight faced by Hindus but also to galvanize international intervention to protect vulnerable populations. The deterioration of Hindu demographics and the reported rise in violence against minority groups necessitates urgent action from both the Indian government and international bodies to safeguard human rights.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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