 "Supporters of the Hindu priest surround the van after a court ordered him detained pending further proceedings in southeastern Bangladesh, November 26, 2024. AP")
Tensions between India and Bangladesh have risen following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s democratically elected government.
The arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh has now intensified concerns over the treatment of minorities in the country.
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India has raised concerns over the recent attacks on Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh, as well as the arrest of Das and his denial of bail. Several protests have also been held across India in response to the treatment of minorities in the neighbouring country.
Now, several countries have also condemned the violence against minorities and called for peace in the region.
United States
The United States has called on Bangladesh to uphold fundamental freedoms, including religious and basic human rights.
Addressing the media, Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, said, “We are consistent with every government in which we have a relationship with. We are clear that there needs to be the respect of fundamental freedoms.”
He further added, “Governments need to respect the rule of law, they need to respect basic human rights as part of that. That’s something we’ll continue to emphasise.”
A former Commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and ex-spiritual advisor to US President-elect Donald Trump, Johnnie Moore, also raised concerns about the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh.
“This is a moment of existential threat not only for the minorities of Bangladesh but for the entire country,” he said, criticising the Biden administration for “not paying more attention.”
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When asked about the West’s “silence” on violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, Moore said that when the Hindu community is persecuted, only a few people speak up about it.
“Human rights organisations and religious freedom organisations sought to raise their voices every second right. I think that a lot of times the Hindu community, when they are persecuted around the world, unfortunately, fewer people speak up about it. I’m committing to doing the exact opposite… I’m calling for the world’s human rights and religious freedom organisations to do the same,” he stated.
Last month, ahead of the US election results, Donald Trump strongly condemned violence against minorities in Bangladesh. In a statement, he said, “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos. It would have never happened on my watch…”
United Kingdom
An “urgent” debate was held in the UK House of Commons this week over the escalating situation in Bangladesh.
Members of Parliament expressed concerns about recent attacks on the Hindu minority and the religious crackdown on Hindu monks under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
Catherine West, the Foreign Office in-charge of the Indo-Pacific, acknowledged India’s concerns and said, “We are aware of the statement of concern from the Indian government following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a well-known Hindu leader, on sedition charges. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) desk is closely monitoring those developments.”
Priti Patel, Indian-origin and Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, described the events in Bangladesh as “deeply, deeply concerning.”
She said, “The degree of escalation in violence is deeply concerning. What we are witnessing now is uncontrolled violence in many quarters. We are watching with horror and shock as further violence spreads in Bangladesh. The thoughts of all of us in the House are with the diaspora community here and those affected in Bangladesh. These are deeply disturbing reports.”
Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent West, a constituency with a large British Hindu population, warned that the situation in Bangladesh is “clearly on a knife edge.”
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What India said about the violence
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence against minorities in Bangladesh.
In a statement, the MEA said, “This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities’ homes and business establishments, as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples.”
It also criticised the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Das , stating, “It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be pressed against a religious leader presenting legitimate demands through peaceful gatherings. We also note with concern the attacks on minorities protesting peacefully against the arrest of Shri Das. We urge Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, including their right of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.”
Tensions rose further as thousands protested near the Bangladeshi consulate in Agartala, opposing Das’ arrest and attacks on the Hindu community. According to reports, the protesters entered the mission’s premises, damaged property, desecrated the Bangladeshi flag, and vandalised the flagpole.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the protest, alleging that the protesters breached the compound by “breaking down the main gate” and causing damage.
India called the breach of the consular premises in Agartala “deeply regrettable,” with the MEA warning that diplomatic properties must not be targeted under any circumstances. It added that security has been increased at all Bangladeshi missions across India, including the High Commission in New Delhi.
Notably, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s stance on the protection of minorities in Bangladesh last week.
“India has consistently and strongly raised with the Bangladesh government the threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. We made our position very clear as far as the situation of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh is concerned. The interim government must live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities,” he said.
Sheikh Hasina targets Yunus over ‘mass killings’
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has demanded the immediate release of Das and called his arrest “unjust.”
In an official statement shared by the Awami League, Hasina said, “A top leader of the Sanatan Dharma community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately. Temples have been burned in Chittagong. In the past, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries, and houses of the Ahmadiyya community have been attacked, vandalised, looted, and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities must be ensured.”
Hasina also accused Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, of “mass killings” in the country.
“Today, I have been accused of mass killings. In reality, it is Muhammad Yunus who has indulged in mass killings through a meticulously designed plan along with the student co-ordinators. They are the masterminds…,” she claimed.
Where do India-Bangladesh relations stand?
Relations between India and Bangladesh have soured after Sheikh Hasina escaped to India during mass protests that resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. Meanwhile, India has suspended visa issuance for Bangladeshi nationals, except for medical emergencies.
India, which played a key role in Bangladesh’s independence by sheltering 10 million refugees and fighting a nine-month war against Pakistan in 1971, has historically viewed Hasina as a trusted ally. Her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was the founding leader of Bangladesh.
Since Hasina’s ousting, attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh have reportedly increased, with many alleging targeted violence. However, Yunus has stated that the attacks are “exaggerated”.
Bangladesh’s population is predominantly Muslim, about 91%, with Hindus making up nearly all of the remaining 9%.
Although Yunus has repeatedly appealed for calm, the interim government has been struggling to establish law and order amid mob violence, widespread protests, and administrative instability in the nation.
With inputs from agencies