In recent months, Bangladesh has experienced a significant increase in violence targeting its Hindu minority. This surge in attacks began following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024. Since then, there has been a dramatic escalation in assaults on Hindu homes, businesses, and places of worship.

The Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has documented over 2,000 incidents of violence within a span of just 16 days. Among these incidents, 69 temples have been destroyed, contributing to a pervasive atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within the Hindu community. This wave of violence has left many Hindus feeling vulnerable and anxious about their safety and future in Bangladesh.

Facts and Figures

• Number of Incidents: Over 2,010 attacks reported between August 4 and August 20, 2024.
• Casualties: At least 9 Hindus have been killed, with some confirmed as members of the Awami League.
• Property Damage: Homes of 157 families were attacked, looted, vandalized, and set on fire.
• Arrests: Prominent Hindu leaders, including Chinmoy Krishna Das, have been arrested on charges of sedition.
  
   

Calls for Indian Army Intervention in Bangladesh to Protect Hindu Minority

• Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)

  Members of the VHP have been vocal in their protests, demanding action against the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh. They have staged protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Mumbai, condemning the violence and calling for intervention.
   

• Trinamool Congress (TMC)

  TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay has urged the Indian government to request the United Nations to deploy peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh. He highlighted the targeting of religious minorities and called for immediate intervention to protect the Hindu community.
   

• Indian-American Organizations

  Influential Indian-American groups have also urged international leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, to call on the Bangladeshi government to protect the Hindu minority. These organizations have emphasized the need for international intervention to ensure the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh.

 

Prime Minister Modi's Statement on Attacks on Hindu Minority in Bangladesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Response:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over the recent attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. In a statement, he emphasized the importance of protecting minority communities and ensuring their safety. Modi highlighted that the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant communication with the Bangladeshi authorities to address the issue.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's Involvement:
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also met with Prime Minister Modi to discuss the situation and the steps that need to be taken to ensure the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. The Indian government has urged the Bangladeshi authorities to take immediate action against the perpetrators of the violence and to provide adequate protection to the Hindu community.

Statement from the Ministry of External Affairs:
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the attacks and the arrest of Hindu leaders in Bangladesh. The ministry has called for the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of all minorities in the country. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has urged the Bangladeshi government to take action against extremist elements and ensure the safety of Hindus in regions like Chittagong, where violence has erupted.

International Response

The escalating violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh has garnered significant attention and concern from the international community. Various governments and human rights organizations have voiced their apprehensions and are closely monitoring the developments on the ground.

In the United Kingdom, members of Parliament have formally raised concerns about the deteriorating situation. They have underscored the urgency of addressing the violence and ensuring the protection of minority communities in Bangladesh. This level of parliamentary engagement reflects the seriousness with which the U.K. views the crisis.

Similarly, in the United States, Congressman Brad Sherman has been vocal about the issue. He has highlighted the Bangladeshi government's fundamental responsibility to safeguard its Hindu minority. In his statements, Congressman Sherman has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the attacks to ensure accountability and justice for the victims. His advocacy represents a broader call from the international community for immediate and effective action to halt the violence and protect the vulnerable Hindu population in Bangladesh.

This collective concern from global leaders and institutions underscores the necessity for urgent intervention and cooperation to restore peace and security for all citizens in Bangladesh.
 

Appeal to the United Nations

The Hindu minority in Bangladesh has been subjected to an alarming surge in violence and persecution, which has created a dire humanitarian crisis. This situation calls for urgent and decisive intervention by the international community, specifically through the United Nations.

The severity of the violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh necessitates a robust and immediate response from the United Nations. The deployment of a peacekeeping mission is not only a humanitarian imperative but also a crucial step towards restoring peace and protecting human rights in the region. The international community must act decisively to prevent further suffering and uphold the values of justice and equality.

By intervening, the United Nations can demonstrate its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining global peace and security. The urgency of the situation demands that the UNSC take swift action to authorize and deploy a peacekeeping mission to Bangladesh.

Call to Action We urge the United Nations Security Council to:

1. Authorize a Peacekeeping Mission: Deploy troops to monitor and prevent further violence against the Hindu minority.
2. Ensure Protection: Provide immediate protection to Hindu communities and their places of worship.
3. Investigate and Prosecute: Conduct thorough investigations into the attacks and hold perpetrators accountable.

The international community must act swiftly to prevent further atrocities and uphold the principles of human rights and religious freedom.
 

Sources

• U.K. Parliament raises concerns over attacks on Hindu minority in Bangladesh - https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/uk-parliament-raises-concerns-over-attacks-on-hindu-minority-in-bangladesh/article68944307.ece
• Bangladesh Govt Has Absolute Obligation To Protect Its Hindu Minority: US Congressman - https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/bangladesh-govt-has-absolute-obligation-to-protect-its-hindu-minority-us-congressman/ar-AA1ve68m
• 2024 Bangladesh anti-Hindu violence - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Bangladesh_anti-Hindu_violence
• Followed attacks on minorities in India with concern, broached issue with Modi: Angela Merkel in memoirs - https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/followed-attacks-on-minorities-in-india-with-concern-broached-issue-with-modi-angela-merkel-in-memoirs/article68935199.ece
• Jaishankar meets PM Modi amid concerns over attack on Hindus in Bangladesh - https://www.indiablooms.com/news-details/N/101250/jaishankar-meets-pm-modi-amid-concerns-over-attack-on-hindus-in-bangladesh.html
• India voices concern over Hindu temple attacks in Bangladesh, urges protection of minorities - https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/india-voices-concern-over-hindu-temple-attacks-in-bangladesh-urges-protection-of-minorities-925472