In a heartfelt appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a group of 68 distinguished individuals—including a retired High Court judge, former IAS, IPS, IRS, IIS, and IFS officers, as well as a sitting Member of Parliament—have called for urgent government intervention regarding the rising violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. This comes in response to the arrest of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on fabricated sedition charges.
The letter highlights the systematic attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, including violence against religious sites, homes, and properties, which have reportedly reached unprecedented levels.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, an ISKCON monk, was arrested on Monday and denied bail. His arrest followed violent clashes between his supporters and the police, leading to the death of a public prosecutor. On Wednesday, a lawyer filed a petition to ban ISKCON, labeling it a religious fundamentalist organization. The Attorney General of Bangladesh even mentioned that the government is scrutinizing ISKCON’s activities.
The letter, signed by individuals like Justice Raghvendra Singh Rathore, former Rajasthan High Court judge, and Shesh Paul Vaid, ex-Director General of Police (Jammu & Kashmir), urges that the Bangladesh government take responsibility for these escalating attacks on Hindus. The appeal stresses that these violations undermine the fundamental rights of Hindus and undermine peace, coexistence, and religious freedom—values historically shared by both India and Bangladesh.
>>> Click Here To Download The Letter >>>
Key points raised in the letter include:
- Desecration of Hindu temples and looting of properties.
- Violence against Hindu women, including abductions, forced conversions, and sexual violence.
- Failure of local authorities to hold perpetrators accountable.
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was detained for peacefully protesting and advocating for Hindu rights, is particularly troubling. The letter condemns his arrest, stating it is a direct attack on freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and the right to protest.
The signatories have called on the Indian government to take the following actions:
- Immediate Protection for Hindus in Bangladesh: Ensure the safety of Hindu communities and religious sites. Perpetrators must be brought to justice.
- Release of Religious Leaders: Chinmoy Krishna Das and other leaders unjustly arrested should be freed, and all charges against them should be dropped.
- Justice for Hindu Women: Investigate and punish those responsible for violence and forced conversions of Hindu women.
- Protection of Property and Employment Rights: Stop the unlawful removal of Hindu government employees and the seizure of their properties.
- International Sanctions on Bangladesh: Apply targeted sanctions on individuals and entities complicit in these human rights violations.
- Diplomatic Action: Raise the issue at international forums, including the United Nations and Human Rights Council, to pressure Bangladesh to address these abuses.
The letter concludes by urging Prime Minister Modi to act decisively. It stresses that India has a moral responsibility to protect the rights and safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. The signatories express hope that under Modi’s leadership, India will continue to be a beacon of hope and justice for religious minorities worldwide.
the letter calls for urgent attention to the deteriorating situation and strong action to protect the Hindu community in Bangladesh from escalating violence and discrimination.
