We cannot care for things only because we have something in common with the people suffering. But that is the way of the world and if we do not, then who will, for too few care for those not like them. So with the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, as the ISIS mentality of radicalisation takes hold, just the way the head of MI6 fears Islamist extremists will use Palestine to radicalise. But how to be effective. Shouting in an echo chamber or an empty rant on X is not effective.
Here are 10 effective, low-effort, high-impact strategies that Hindus in the UK could employ to respond to the arrest of a Hindu priest in Bangladesh, the massacre of Hindus in Bangladesh, aimed at influencing public opinion, policymakers, and diplomatic narratives:
1. Leverage Social Media to Question British Diplomats' Claims
- Use platforms like X and LinkedIn to tag British diplomats and embassies in posts questioning their assurances of safety for British businesses in Bangladesh, linking it to the broader issue of Hindu safety. Comment on their statements seeking British businesses to do business in Bangladesh. Make clear it is not safe. Call for a boycott of British businesses doing business in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is an unsafe failed State. It’s only a matter of time before another military coup or Pakistan/China alliance runs the puppet regime.
- Example: "If Hindu priests are unsafe in Bangladesh, can we trust British businesses are? @UKinBangladesh @FCDOGovUK—time to reconsider your narrative?" Don’t appeal to them to love Hindus, appeal to their self-interest; trade and terrorism.
2. Engage British MPs Representing High Hindu Constituencies
- Write concise, pointed letters or emails to MPs (like those in Leicester, Harrow, or Wembley) asking them to raise this issue in Parliament, framing it as a human rights concern that resonates with their voter base. This is working.
3. Highlight Inconsistencies in Trade and Aid Policies
- Post on platforms like LinkedIn or write to newspapers about how the UK’s significant trade and aid commitments to Bangladesh could be reevaluated given these religious freedom violations, urging public accountability.
4. Create and Share Viral Hashtags
- Launch hashtags such as #SafeHindusInBangladesh or #UKBangladeshDiplomacyFail, ensuring they are used across tweets and posts to build online momentum.
5. Join Hands with Americans
- Trump, Tulsi, Vivek, Usha, Kash. Find your connections in the US through sister organisations and get them to stand up and shout. I’ve seen Tulsi and Trump send the message out. The others will. They’re not weak. If it was Bangladeshis doing this to American’s the US market would be closed to them and the 7th fleet in the Bay of Bengal by now. The Republicans get it. You point to them the Christians are being attacked. It’s how they got the Russians out of Afghanistan. Think smart. You’re appealing to their self-interest.
6. Engage Influential Think Tanks
- Write to organizations like Chatham House or the Henry Jackson Society, framing the issue as a case of religious freedom erosion in a Commonwealth nation, which could impact regional stability.
7. Petition the UN Human Rights Council
- Submit an online petition addressed to the UNHRC and publicize it widely. Stress how such incidents violate Bangladesh's obligations under international human rights treaties. Although remember what Israel thinks about UNHRC!
8. Pressure Local Media to Report the Story
- Write op-eds or letters to editors of local UK newspapers and South Asian-focused outlets, asking why this human rights issue hasn’t received coverage and encouraging them to investigate. This paper is campaigning and has pull. What about the others. Too woke to bother?
9. Enlist Prominent British Hindus
- Encourage high-profile British Hindus in politics, business, or media to speak publicly about the matter, connecting it to concerns of safety for Hindu communities globally. Baroness Verma has written to the leadership of Bangladesh. Line up the others in Parliament.
10. Push for Sanctions-Linked Advocacy
- Collaborate with human rights groups to advocate for targeted sanctions (e.g., travel bans or asset freezes) on Bangladeshi officials implicated in such abuses, framing it as aligned with UK Magnitsky sanctions.
That’s a start. Take your pick.
