A country that once fought and separated from Pakistan, despite having a majority Muslim population, just for the love and respect for their “mother tongue” and identifying it as their unifying force, today behaves no less than Pakistan in treating and persecuting its minorities.
Bangladesh, which was known as East Bengal in an undivided India, was one of the most populous regions, home to 10.72mn Hindus in the 1800s, out of 19mn people, making it 56% of the total population. Muslims were only 7.96mn, making 41% of the population. In 1947, even during the partition of India, Hindu population was at 30%. Once a nation of majority Hindus, now have exceedingly and shamefully targeted or attacked (and often converted) their own on the basis of their religious differences.
Rising violence and stopping Durga puja
The situation for Hindus in Bangladesh has become increasingly precarious, as the minority group faces rising persecution and violence.
At 22% during the 1971 Liberation War, when Hindus were exceedingly targeted, they constitute just 7.95% of Bangladesh's 165 million people now.
Following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina's government, the plight of the Hindu community has worsened, highlighting deep-rooted issues of religious intolerance and regional instability.
Hindu homes were marked by Jamaat-e-Islami for attacks, with families forced to pay money and jewellery to save their lives. Temples were desecrated, idols smashed, Hindus forced to resign from government posts, women raped, and mob lynching became disturbingly common.
Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus has promised to protect the Hindu minority, offering compensation and safety. However, attacks on Hindus persist, including vandalism, arson, and murder. The government's engagement with extremist groups has only intensified fears, making Yunus's promises seem increasingly hollow amidst ongoing violence.
Ahead of Durga Puja, reports of rising violence in Bangladesh reveal attacks and protests against the Hindu festival. Extremist Muslims are allegedly threatening Hindu businessmen, attempting to forcibly evict them from their shops, as seen in Dhaka’s beehive market, with claims that the country belongs to the majority community.
Bangladeshi Muslims are protesting in Dhaka, vowing to block Durga Puja in areas where it’s traditionally celebrated. Some puja committees have received threats, and a pandal in Kishore Ganj was destroyed. Islamist groups are also extorting temples, demanding Rs 5 lakh Bangladeshi takas(£3,126.67) to allow celebrations. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, requested Hindus to halt Durga Puja activities, especially around azaan and namaaz times.
Meeting between India and Bangladesh
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain in New York during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). During their bilateral meeting, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.
There is a rise in anti-India sentiments and growing support for Pakistan. Bangladeshi Hindus feel increasingly like strangers in their own country, facing backlash and threats as a minority. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who promised action, India is now pushing for a full investigation into the attacks on Hindus, according to sources.
With the new Marxist leader in Sri Lanka, there are concerns that anti-India sentiment in the region could grow stronger. Coupled with ongoing challenges in neighbouring countries like the Maldives, Nepal, and Myanmar, as well as existing tensions with Pakistan and China, India will likely need to navigate a diplomatic tightrope to protect its interests in the region for the foreseeable future.
