‘Can’t have secularism and Islam as state religion simultaneously’: Ex-Bangladesh chief justice on violence against Hindus.

Violence against Hindus….

‘Islam As State Religion And Secularism Cannot CoExist’ and ‘Interim Government Led By Professor Muhammad Yunus Is Unconstitutional’: Bangladesh’s Ex-Chief Justice Surendra K Sinha.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Dhaka | Aug 16, 2024:: As Bangladesh navigates its path towards stability following the sudden ousting of Sheikh Hasina, former Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha has weighed in on the situation. Sinha, who made history as the first Hindu to hold the position of Chief Justice but was forced to resign amidst corruption allegations, stated that Hasina’s departure was inevitable and only a matter of time.

Sinha also expressed his opinion on the current interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, deeming it “unconstitutional”. His comments come at a time when Bangladesh is grappling with political uncertainty and seeking a return to peace and stability from an Islamic pandemonium.

In an interview with The Times of India, former Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha shared his thoughts on Bangladesh’s constitutional framework. He argued that the coexistence of Islam as the state religion and secularism is inherently contradictory, suggesting that Bangladesh must reconsider its state religion status to truly embrace secularism.

Sinha stated, “You cannot have secularism while maintaining Islam as the state religion in the Constitution. These two concepts are mutually exclusive.” He emphasized this point when questioned about the potential impact of Professor Muhammad Yunus’s outreach to Hindus on the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh.

Since the fall of the Hasina government, the minority community in Bangladesh has faced a surge in violent attacks, with reports of houses being burned, temples being vandalized, and women being threatened and forced to flee the country. These incidents have created a climate of fear and uncertainty among the minority population, highlighting the need for urgent action to ensure their safety and protection.

 Sinha also criticized laws like the Vested Property Act, which disproportionately affect Hindus, saying, “Laws that confiscate Hindu properties, such as the Vested Property Act, are unjust. Similarly, having separate laws for the management of Hindu temples is discriminatory.” He emphasized the need for equal treatment under the law, stating, “To ensure Hindus can live safely in Bangladesh, there must be no impunity for anyone. True democracy, rule of law, and equality must prevail.”

While expressing concern for the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh, former Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha acknowledged that not all Hindus can seek refuge in India. This comes as many Hindus, facing attacks and persecution, have taken to social media to appeal to the Indian government for assistance and protection. Sinha’s statement highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for a multifaceted solution to address the concerns of the minority community in Bangladesh.

J Sai Deepak, a lawyer at the Supreme Court of India, recently shared a collection of messages and emails from Hindus in Bangladesh who are seeking to flee the country due to the escalating violence and persecution they face. These messages and emails provide a glimpse into the desperation and fear felt by the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh, who are appealing for help and support to escape their dire situation.

The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance reported on Tuesday that since the fall of the Hasina government on August 5, the Hindu community has faced attacks and threats in 278 locations across 48 districts .

Palash Kanti Dey, executive secretary of the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance, stated that the Hindu community has been subjected to repeated incidents of vandalism, looting, arson, land grabbing, and threats to leave the country, citing the changing political landscape as the catalyst for these attacks.

A Bangladeshi court sentenced former Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha to 11 years in prison on charges of money laundering and breach of trust . Sinha, who was the first Hindu to hold the position, was found guilty of having around TK 40 million (~$466,000) illegally deposited in his personal account . He was sentenced in absentia, as he is currently living in Canada, where he sought asylum after leaving Bangladesh in 2017 .

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__Inputs from TOI & India Blooms.