India Urges Bangladesh to Protect minority Hindu Community Amid Chittagong Tensions.

MEA Seeks Assurance on Hindu Safety in Bangladesh After Chittagong Incident.

Shubhrojyoti Basak | HENB | New Delhi | Nov 7, 2024::  India has reached out to Bangladesh following the recent incidents of arson in Chittagong, urging the government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus in the country. This move comes after a series of attacks on Hindu communities, including temples, homes, and businesses, resulting in losses and displacement.  The Indian government’s intervention aims to press Bangladesh to take concrete measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of its Hindu minority.

The violence in Bangladesh has been reported to be widespread, with over 2,000 incidents of attacks on Hindus between August 4-20, 2024, resulting in nine deaths and significant property damage. The affected areas include Chittagong, Khulna, Rangpur, and Mymensingh, among others.

India’s  Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Thursday that India has reached out to the government in Bangladesh and urged them to take strong measures to ensure the safety of minority Hindus. This comes days after multiple reports of arson from Chittagong, where dozens of shops and homes belonging to tribals were burnt down.

Tensions escalated in Chittagong, Bangladesh, following a clash between the Hindu community and law enforcement over a Facebook post criticizing ISKCON.

A recent Facebook post criticizing ISKCON sparked tensions in Chittagong, Bangladesh. A local Muslim youth uploaded the post, which angered the Hindu community, leading to protests and clashes with law enforcement. The situation escalated, with protesters throwing bricks and objects at police. In response, a joint operation involving police and army was conducted to restore order.

Read also: Bangladeshi Army Crack Down On Hindus After ISKCON Slander Post Sparks Riot, 80 Detained.

India’s request to the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety of Hindus comes at a critical time, especially after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. This development has created uncertainty for Hindus living in Bangladesh. The demand to ban ISKCON , a spiritual organization, by some radical Muslim individuals, has fueled tensions between religious groups .

Read also: India urges Bangladesh to take action against extremists, ensure safety of Hindus in Chittogong.

On Wednesday, Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi held a virtual interaction with his Bangladeshi counterpart General Waker-Uz-Zaman, discussing bilateral defence cooperation and issues of mutual interest. This was the first such interaction between the two armies since August, after Hasina fled the country.

Concerns regarding the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh have remained high since the ouster of Hasina, after which multiple reports of violence against religious minorities emerged from the country.
…

__Inputs Zee News. Pic. Courtesy: AP.