The political and social fabric of Bangladesh is once again unraveling, revealing troubling echoes of its tumultuous history. Born out of the ashes of 1971, with India’s crucial military and humanitarian support, Bangladesh emerged as a beacon of freedom. Yet, as recent events starkly highlight, gratitude has long faded into indifference, and, worse, antagonism.
Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, constituting around 8% of its population, faces an existential crisis. Reports of arson, desecration of temples, targeted killings, and the systemic displacement of Hindu families paint a grim picture. Since July, following protests against Sheikh Hasina’s government, communal violence has surged. Hindu homes in districts like Jashore and Bagerhat have been torched, forcing families to seek refuge in India, much as they did during 1971. The exodus is a grim reminder of the unresolved issues of minority rights in the country.
Historically, Hindus in Bangladesh have been subjected to cyclical violence, often becoming scapegoats in political power struggles. After the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, Islamic identity politics gained ground, eroding secular ideals. Over the years, religious intolerance has led to the plundering of Hindu properties and the vandalism of temples. This year alone, the situation escalated with coordinated attacks against Hindu communities, perpetuating a narrative of fear and marginalization.
India’s role as a protector of Bangladeshi Hindus is now more crucial than ever. While Prime Minister Modi has called for restoring peace, the response must extend beyond diplomatic platitudes. India’s historical and moral responsibility to ensure the safety of minorities in Bangladesh cannot be understated. However, such advocacy must walk the fine line of respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty while pressing for accountability.
The plight of Hindus in Bangladesh is a symptom of a deeper issue—the erosion of secularism. The increasing influence of radical groups has left minorities vulnerable. This raises uncomfortable questions about the effectiveness of successive Bangladeshi governments in safeguarding their rights. While Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League has often positioned itself as a guardian of secular values, its inability—or unwillingness—to quell communal violence undermines this claim.
Global apathy further exacerbates this crisis. The lack of strong international condemnation and action against these human rights violations reveals a selective approach to justice. Advocacy groups, including the United Nations, must address this crisis with urgency. For a nation built on the promise of pluralism and equality, the persecution of minorities is a betrayal of its founding principles.
Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. It can either reaffirm its commitment to secularism and human rights or risk descending into an abyss of religious extremism and international isolation. Its relationship with India, once a cornerstone of its independence, hinges on its actions today. Only through a renewed commitment to protecting its minorities can Bangladesh hope to honor the legacy of 1971 and rebuild trust with its neighbors.
In the broader South Asian context, the Bangladesh crisis serves as a warning. Religious intolerance, left unchecked, can undermine the stability of nations. For India, the exodus of refugees underscores the urgency of fostering regional stability while preparing for humanitarian contingencies. The subcontinent’s shared history demands collective introspection and action to ensure such crises do not define its future.
Dr.Barun Kumar Mishra
18 days agocurrent and very useful topic Thanks