Guwahati, December 4, 2024 — Guwahati chapter of Loka Jagaran Mancha has voiced grave concerns over escalating human rights violations against religious minorities in Bangladesh. In a strongly worded memorandum, organization called upon Bangladeshi government and international bodies to take urgent action to safeguard fundamental rights of these marginalized groups.
memorandum, dated December 3, 2024, was addressed to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government. It was submitted through Kamrup Metro district authorities of Assam and highlights a disturbing pattern of violence and discrimination targeting Hindu and other minority communities in neighboring nation.
A Disturbing Pattern of Violence
document details a series of atrocities that have alarmed human rights advocates across region. These include:
- Widespread attacks: Systematic assaults on Hindu neighborhoods, leaving families devastated and communities fractured.
- Killings and looting: Reports of targeted killings and looting of property have surfaced, further exacerbating fears among minority communities.
- Arson: Several homes and temples have been set ablaze, symbolizing a deep-rooted intolerance.
- Persecution of women and children: Vulnerable groups, including women and children, have borne brunt of these acts of violence, facing harassment, assault, and intimidation.
Loka Jagaran Mancha has explicitly condemned these actions, attributing them to rise of Islamic extremism within Bangladesh. memorandum also criticized Bangladeshi government for its perceived inability—or unwillingness—to protect minority groups, calling this a blatant failure of governance and a violation of international human rights norms.
Democratic Protests Suppressed
organization has also expressed concern over suppression of peaceful democratic protests by minority groups. A notable incident cited in memorandum is arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent spiritual leader from ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). His detention has drawn widespread condemnation and is being viewed as part of a larger trend of targeting spiritual figures and community leaders.
“This arrest is emblematic of broader persecution faced by Hindu leaders in Bangladesh,” said a Loka Jagaran Mancha spokesperson. organization called for Chinmoy Krishna Das’s immediate release, asserting that his arrest undermines principles of justice and fairness.
Plight of Sadhus and Religious Leaders
memorandum brought attention to alarming rise in religious intolerance faced by Hindu spiritual figures, including sadhus and sants. targeted violence against these individuals not only jeopardizes their safety but also threatens cultural and spiritual fabric of Hindu community in Bangladesh.
“Religious leaders are bearers of cultural heritage and spiritual wisdom. Targeting them erodes community’s morale and destroys its sense of identity,” organization stated.
Demands of Loka Jagaran Mancha
memorandum outlined several urgent demands to Bangladeshi government, including:
- Immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das: organization called for spiritual leader’s unconditional release, emphasizing need for judicial fairness.
- Protection of minority families: Ensuring safety and security of vulnerable communities was highlighted as a top priority.
- Safeguarding religious institutions: memorandum urged Bangladeshi government to provide adequate protection to temples, monasteries, and other places of worship.
- Strict enforcement of law and order: It called for robust measures to curb extremist violence and bring perpetrators to justice.
International Norms and Accountability
Loka Jagaran Mancha argued that Bangladesh’s current treatment of its minorities contradicts both international norms and democratic values. “Bangladesh must honor its commitments under international conventions that protect human rights, including rights of minorities,” memorandum stated.
signatories—Bankim Sarma, Partha Bhattacharjee, Partha Pratim Das, and Vaskar Baidya—urged international organizations, including United Nations and regional bodies like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), to take cognizance of issue and exert diplomatic pressure on Dhaka to act decisively.
Impact on Women and Children
One of most alarming aspects of reported atrocities is targeting of women and children. memorandum detailed how these vulnerable groups are subjected to heinous crimes, including physical and emotional abuse, forced conversions, and displacement. It called for immediate action to address this humanitarian crisis.
“safety of women and children is a basic measure of any society’s progress. Bangladesh is failing this test,” memorandum read.
Global Solidarity and Call for Justice
Loka Jagaran Mancha reiterated its commitment to advocating for justice and equality for marginalized communities. It also called upon global citizens, human rights organizations, and governments to stand in solidarity with oppressed minorities of Bangladesh.
organization emphasized that current state of affairs in Bangladesh is not just a domestic issue but a matter of international concern. It urged global community to work towards restoring peace, security, and harmony in region.
Recent Incidents Add to Growing Concerns
In memorandum, organization highlighted recent incidents that underline deteriorating condition of minorities in Bangladesh. From attacks on religious processions to destruction of homes and businesses, situation has reached a critical juncture, it claimed.
memorandum also referenced protests in India over these issues, such as recent pulling down of Bangladeshi national flag in Agartala, Tripura. These acts of solidarity, while symbolic, underscore growing frustration and anger among Indians over plight of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Need for Immediate Action
Loka Jagaran Mancha concluded its memorandum with a plea for immediate corrective action. It urged Bangladeshi government to:
- Take strict action against perpetrators of violence.
- Ensure impartial investigations into all reported incidents of minority persecution.
- Provide reparations and rehabilitation for affected families.
- Foster an environment of tolerance and mutual respect.
organization also appealed to Indian government to raise issue at diplomatic and international forums.
Disclaimer
This news article is based on information provided by reliable sources and documents submitted by Loka Jagaran Mancha. intent of this report is to highlight concerns regarding human rights violations and advocate for justice and equality for affected communities. views expressed herein are those of organization and do not necessarily reflect editorial stance of this publication. Any legal or political interpretations should be pursued independently.
