Do Minorities in Bangladesh Feel Safe? JDU's Neeraj Kumar Speaks Out
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar vehemently condemned the reported abuses against Hindus in Bangladesh on Saturday, highlighting that the plight of minorities in the neighboring nation is extremely concerning and warrants immediate global scrutiny.
In response to India's denunciation of these incidents, Kumar stated that violence stemming from religious intolerance erodes democracy and disrupts social cohesion.
“The events unfolding in Bangladesh are profoundly tragic,” said Neeraj Kumar. “In nations where religion dictates the state, democracy is suffocated, leading to conflicts between majority and minority groups. Currently, the atmosphere in Bangladesh is such that minorities do not feel secure, and there are ongoing occurrences of mob violence. We therefore call upon all peace-loving nations worldwide. India is leading the charge, and it is imperative to ensure the protection of minorities in Bangladesh. Discrimination based on religion should not be tolerated.”
Kumar's comments arise amidst escalating alarm over a series of assaults on the Hindu community in Bangladesh, which have incited protests and strong reactions across India. Numerous political figures and organizations have voiced their distress over what they perceive as a worsening security landscape for minorities in the neighboring country.
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh shared similar sentiments, asserting that violence against Hindus has been a persistent issue. “Abuses against Hindus have been happening in Bangladesh since the country’s partition. Even in West Bengal, Hindus encounter similar threats from the same factions, while the state government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remain silent,” Ghosh remarked.
The latest outrage was triggered by the murder of Dipu Chandra Das, which ignited nationwide protests. Another incident involved a Hindu individual who, after being allegedly attacked by a mob in Bangladesh’s Rajbari district on December 24, later succumbed to his injuries. This victim has been identified as Amrit Mandal, also known as Samrat.
This week, demonstrations erupted across various regions of India concerning Das's killing and ongoing allegations of atrocities against minorities under the Mohammad Yunus-led government in Bangladesh. Protesters accused the authorities in the neighboring country of failing to protect minority communities.
From Delhi to Kolkata, Bhopal, and Hyderabad, different Hindu organizations and civil society groups held protests, demanding international intervention and intensified diplomatic pressure to safeguard minorities in Bangladesh. Protesters characterized the incidents as targeted assaults and urged the Indian government to continue advocating for the issue on global platforms.