The genocide of Bangladeshi Hindus has been continuing for decades with no eye to notice or take concern. But this is probably the first time in history that the constant persecution of Bangladeshi Hindus has gained significant attention at the Indian as well in the world discourse, all thanks to the internet. The concerning issue has also reached the Indian Parliament, where it is now being actively discussed and acknowledged.
On the 19th of December, the saga of the ongoing genocide in the neibouring country was discussed at the Rajya Sabha. MP Priyanka Chaturvedi from Shiv Sena (UBT) sought details on measures taken by the Government of India to address this alarming situation, including support operations for the targeted Hindus and assistance for Hindu priests who were denied entry into India by Bangladeshi authorities.
“Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :- (a) the measures taken by Government to address the ongoing violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, (b) whether any rescue and support operations have been planned for Hindus being targeted in Bangladesh, (c) whether Government is supporting operations to permit smooth entry of Hindu priests with legitimate documents, who have been denied entry into India by Bangladeshi authorities, and (d) if so, the details thereof, and if not, the reasons therefore?”, these were the concerns raised by the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi.
Also Read: Dear Bangladeshi Advisers, Read History, Learn, Don’t be an Embarrassment!
In response, Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, acknowledged reports of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, including attacks on homes, businesses, and temples. He mentioned that the government has expressed serious concern over these incidents to the Government of Bangladesh. The arrest of 70 individuals and filing of 88 cases too have been noted. The Government of India has reiterated its expectation that Bangladesh ensures the safety and welfare of all its citizens, including minorities. This was emphasized during the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Bangladesh on December 9, 2024.
Situation of Hindu Minorities raised in Bangladesh parliament. MEA MOS Kirti Vardhan Singh says,’Govt have taken a serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh”; Points that Bangladesh has arrested 70 people & filed 88 cases pic.twitter.com/KzS00aWo8M
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 19, 2024
Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh stated, “Government have seen several reports of incidents of violence against Hindus and other minorities, their homes and business establishments and of attacks on temples/religious places across Bangladesh. Government have taken a serious note of these incidents and shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh. So far, Government of Bangladesh has reportedly arrested 70 people and 88 cases have been filed in connection with violence involving minorities.”
“The primary responsibility for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh. India’s expectation is that the Government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures to ensure safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities. The same has also been reiterated during the visit of Foreign Secretary to Bangladesh on 9 December 2024. The High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to monitor the situation related to the minorities in Bangladesh closely Concerns regarding the travel of bonafide visa holders to India have been conveyed to the concerned Bangladesh authorities”, it added.
