I strongly condemn the recent violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh following the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The acts of vandalism against temples and the targeted violence towards Hindus are deeply distressing and must be addressed with urgency.
The situation in Bangladesh, where the peace and religious harmony that once characterized the nation have been severely disrupted, is a cause for grave concern. It is a well-known fact that the ongoing people’s revolution has shaken the foundation of the country, leading to an increase in violence based on religious differences, particularly against the minorities residing in the nation. The violence has not spared anyone, affecting individuals of all ages, from children to adults, and has caused widespread fear and uncertainty among the Hindu community.
I urge the interim government in Dhaka to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace and religious harmony in the country. It is imperative that the government prioritizes the safety and security of all its citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation. The rights and property of minorities must be protected, and this principle is a universal law that should be upheld in Bangladesh as well. The caretaker government has a responsibility to ensure that these rights are not only recognized but actively safeguarded.
As a member of the Indian Hindu community, I feel deeply connected to the suffering of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. I pray to God that the people of Bangladesh will find their way back to the peaceful and harmonious coexistence that they once enjoyed. The fabric of a nation is woven with the threads of its diverse communities, and when one thread is attacked, the entire fabric is weakened.
I call on the government of Bangladesh to find a solution to this escalating violence immediately. It is crucial that they take strong and swift measures to prevent further attacks, restore order, and protect the religious freedoms of Hindus and other minorities. The international community is watching, and it is in the best interest of Bangladesh to show that it stands for the protection of all its citizens, regardless of religion.
Let us work together to ensure that the values of peace, tolerance, and religious harmony are upheld not just in Bangladesh but across the world.
Preakas Sampunathan
ADN Kota Kemuning
