Is the Shahbag Movement's Leader Advocating for Peace and the Return of 'Sonar Bangla' in Bangladesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh is alarming.
- Bappaditya Basu highlights the need for peace and restoration of 'Sonar Bangla.'
- Citizenship under CAA is being sought for those fleeing religious persecution.
- The situation is deemed worse than during the 1971 Liberation War.
- Support from the intellectual community is crucial.
Kolkata, Dec 30 (NationPress) The ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh remains alarming.
Currently, an atmosphere of fear engulfs the nation, as evidenced by the tragic killing of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das, which has not quelled the violence within this South Asian territory.
In light of these dire circumstances, the Sanatani Sansad convened a press conference at the Kolkata Press Club on Tuesday, showcasing various accounts of Hindus who have sought refuge in India, whether through medical visas or other avenues, out of fear for their safety.
Among the attendees was Bappaditya Basu, a notable figure from the 2023 Shahbag movement in Bangladesh, advocating for the reinstatement of 'Sonar Bangla' (Golden Bengal).
"I have been living in hiding for the past fourteen months. The Ansarullah Bangla organization has issued death threats against me. I cannot guarantee my safety after speaking out today. I arrived in this country on a medical visa, but individuals like me, currently in this state, yearn to return to our homeland," Basu expressed during the press event.
He further urged that, since Hindus like him have taken refuge due to religious persecution, the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, should consider granting them citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Basu appealed to the intellectual community in West Bengal to support them, stating, "The plight in Bangladesh today is more severe than during the 1971 Liberation War. This situation must cease, and peace must be restored. We long for a 'Sonar Bangla'."
BJP leader Shankudev Panda affirmed, "The BJP stands in solidarity with the persecuted Hindus of Bangladesh. They should apply through the Sanatani Sansad, adhering to the legal process, to seek citizenship."
Present at the conference were the organization's President Gobinda Das, General Secretary and Journalist Raktim Das, Professor Mohit Roy, Advocate Joydeep Mukhopadhyay, among others.