Existential Crisis of Bangladeshi Hindus and Other Minorities

The recent military coup in Bangladesh on August 6, 2024, has not only thrown the nation into political and social turmoil but has also deepened the existential crisis faced by Hindus and other minority groups in the country. For decades, these communities have suffered systemic discrimination and persecution, and the current political upheaval has exacerbated their plight. The violence and injustices they endure threaten their very existence, as well as their cultural and spiritual heritage. As intellectuals, human rights advocates, and global citizens, we have a moral obligation to address this issue with urgency and solidarity.

Historical Context of the Hindu Crisis

The persecution of minorities in Bangladesh is deeply rooted in its history. When the country gained independence in 1971, it was founded on principles of secularism and inclusivity. However, over the years, these ideals have been eroded. Hindus, who made up nearly 30% of the population in 1947, have seen their numbers dwindle due to systematic oppression, discriminatory policies, and recurring violence. By 2011, their share of the population had dropped to 10%, and by 2022, it fell further to just 8%. Similar declines have been observed among other minority groups, including Christians, Buddhists, and indigenous communities.

The military coup that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has further destabilized the country. This power vacuum has emboldened extremist elements to intensify their attacks on minorities, plunging these communities into an unprecedented crisis. Reports of targeted violence, destruction of places of worship, forced conversions, and mass displacements reveal a deliberate campaign to erase the cultural and spiritual identity of Bangladesh's minorities.

Patterns of Persecution and Violence

The violence against minorities in Bangladesh manifests in various forms, all of which are aimed at instilling fear and dismantling these communities' social and cultural fabric.

1. Vandalism and Destruction of Religious Sites

Temples and other places of worship have become frequent targets of attack. Many Hindu temples, some dating back centuries, have been desecrated, their idols defaced, and their premises vandalized. These acts are not random but part of a broader effort to undermine the cultural heritage and spiritual foundation of the Hindu community. Christian churches and Buddhist monasteries have also been attacked, further illustrating the widespread nature of this religious persecution.

2. Physical Assaults and Killings

Minority communities face daily threats of violence. From brutal assaults to targeted killings, these attacks aim to spread fear and force minorities into submission or exile. The perpetrators often act with impunity, knowing they are unlikely to face legal consequences.

3. Sexual Violence

Women and girls from minority communities have been particularly vulnerable. Reports of sexual violence, including molestation and gang rape, are disturbingly common. These heinous crimes serve as tools of humiliation and control, leaving deep scars on victims and their communities.

4. Economic Marginalization

The looting and burning of homes and businesses owned by minorities have left many families destitute. Without economic stability, these communities struggle to rebuild their lives, forcing many to abandon their ancestral homes in search of safety and opportunity elsewhere.

5. Forced Displacement

The relentless violence has driven over 1.5 million people to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in India and other neighboring countries. This mass displacement has created a humanitarian crisis, leaving families without shelter, food, or medical care. The refugees, predominantly women, children, and the elderly, face additional hardships in their host countries, including xenophobia and limited access to resources.

6. Unlawful arrests of Hindu leaders by Bangladeshi government

Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former member of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was arrested from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday. He was denied bail and sent to jail by the Chattogram's Sixth Metropolitan Magistrate court in a sedition case in totally biased way of Bangladesh government.

The Role of Extremist Ideology

The rise of religious extremism in Bangladesh has been a significant factor in the persecution of minorities. Militant groups and radical clerics have used inflammatory rhetoric to incite hatred and violence against Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and indigenous peoples. This ideology, rooted in intolerance, has gained traction in recent years, fueled by political instability and the erosion of secular governance.

The targeting of minorities serves not only to oppress these communities but also to further political agendas. By promoting a homogenous religious identity, extremists aim to consolidate power and marginalize those who do not conform to their vision of society.

International Implications

The crisis in Bangladesh has far-reaching implications for regional stability and global human rights. The mass displacement of minorities adds to the refugee burden on neighboring countries, particularly India, which is already grappling with its own socio-economic challenges. The persecution also undermines the principles of religious freedom and cultural diversity, which are cornerstones of international human rights frameworks.

A Call to Action: Addressing the Crisis

The plight of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh demands a multi-faceted response from the international community, regional actors, and civil society. Immediate and long-term measures are needed to protect these vulnerable populations and address the root causes of their persecution.

1. Role of the United Nations and Global Institutions

As the principal international body for human rights, the United Nations must take decisive action to address the crisis in Bangladesh. Fact-Finding Missions - World's democracy countries and The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) should deploy a fact-finding mission to investigate human rights violations against minorities in Bangladesh. This mission should document evidence, gather testimonies from survivors, and recommend actionable steps to hold perpetrators accountable. Through the way of International Pressure - Diplomatic and economic pressure must be applied to the Bangladeshi government to enforce laws protecting minorities and prosecute those responsible for violence. Sanctions against individuals or organizations involved in human rights abuses should be considered. By Humanitarian Assistance - Refugees fleeing persecution must be provided with safe passage, shelter, and essential resources. International organizations should coordinate relief efforts and ensure that displaced communities receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. Through the Promotion of Secularism - The international community must encourage the restoration of secular governance in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and tolerance.

Role of India

As a neighboring country with historical and cultural ties to Bangladesh, India has a unique role to play in addressing this crisis. Humanitarian Aid - India should establish refugee camps near its border with Bangladesh, providing food, medical care, and shelter to those fleeing violence. Diplomatic Engagement - Through bilateral and multilateral channels, India must urge the Bangladeshi government to take immediate action to protect minorities and restore stability. Simplified Asylum Procedures - India should simplify its asylum process for Bangladeshi Hindus and other minorities, offering them a safe haven and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Preservation of Cultural Heritage - Efforts should be made to document and preserve the cultural and spiritual traditions of Bangladeshi minorities. This could include funding academic research, organizing cultural events, and supporting community initiatives.

The silence of many political parties, particularly many INDI alliance parties, in the face of crimes against Hindus sends a clear message to all Hindus: you are nothing more than an election tool for these parties, and if you do not unite against these forces, you will again be slave. Are these parties demonstrating silent support for atrocities against Hindus? Have Hindus ever heard Bollywood celebs criticize atrocities against Hindus? Only few ones. The world’s largest democracy is home to millions of Hindus, However, there are few voices of concern or disgust about the Muslim zealots’ mindless violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. There are few media outlets in India discussing or highlighting this mini-ethnic cleansing of sorts.

Role of the Global Hindu Community

The global Hindu diaspora must come together to support their counterparts in Bangladesh and advocate for their rights on international platforms.Awareness Campaigns for Raising awareness about the crisis of attacks on Hindus of Bangladesh through media, academic forums, and community events can help garner global attention and support. By Resource Mobilization, global Hindu society Financial and logistical support can be provided to relief efforts, helping refugees and affected communities recover from the crisis.Through Advocacy Engaging with international organizations, governments, and NGOs can amplify the voices of persecuted minorities and push for meaningful change.

How should the world view the condition of Hindus:

British Conservative MP Bob Blackman sharply condemned the crimes against Hindus in Bangladesh, as well as the imprisonment of ISKON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, saying that religious minorities should not be persecuted. Blackman raised the matter in the UK Parliament, highlighting the plight of the minority Hindu population, which he claims is subjected to life-threatening violence, including arson assaults on their houses and temples. Bob Blackman questions the arrest of a Hindu monk in Bangladesh in the UK parliament.Calls attempt to ban ISKCON in Bangladesh a ‘direct attack on Hindus. The world needs to know that minorities in India are safe and progressing simply because Hindus are the majority. Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh demonstrate what occurs when Hindus do not make up the majority. Minorities in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, where Muslims make up the vast majority, have faced difficulties. The minority population has decreased dramatically as a result of forced conversion, killings, rape, and expulsion from the country. Are humanitarian organizations, the intellectual class, and political leaders blind to this worst-case scenario for minorities? The opposite is happening in India, where the majority Hindus are allowing minorities to thrive in all aspects of life.

Conclusion

The existential crisis facing Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh is a stark reminder of the fragility of human rights and the consequences of intolerance. The ongoing violence, forced displacements, and destruction of cultural heritage are not just attacks on specific communities but on the values of humanity itself. It is imperative for the international community, regional actors, and civil society to act decisively to address this crisis. The United Nations must lead the charge, ensuring accountability and providing humanitarian assistance. India and the global Hindu community must also step up, offering refuge and support to those in need.

History will judge us by our response to this crisis. Turning a blind eye to the suffering of minorities in Bangladesh will embolden the perpetrators and tarnish our collective conscience. Together, we must stand united in defense of justice, equality, and the fundamental dignity of all people. The time to act is now. Hindus should conduct extensive research and analysis. They will undoubtedly learn about the importance of Hindu unity and the implications of a divided Hindu community. Please remember, Hindus, unity and the implications of a divided Hindu community. Please remember, Hindus, United we stand, divided we fall.

References :

1. Organiser Media House and it's coverage on Bangladeshi Hindu crisis (News articles from the month of December 2024)
2. The Times of India Media house articles about Bangladesh.(News articles from the month of August to December)
3. “Midnight's Borders: A People's History of Modern India”, written by Suchitra Vijayan 2021.
4. National Digital Library Of India (NDLI), for the references regarding Bangladesh independence.
5. ‘Saptahik Vivek’ (Marathi weekly magazine for the reference of Human rights humiliation of Hindu community of the Bangladesh )
6. The Panchajanya (Hindi Magazine)
7. www.aljazeera.com (News articles)
8. https://pib.gov.in (The “Press Information Bureau” of Government of India)
9. www.theguardian.com
10. www.rss.org

Akshay Ishwar Mankar

Pune