Were All Eyes on Bangladeshi Hindus?

The brotherhood of Islam is not the universal brotherhood of man. It is the brotherhood of Muslims for Muslims only.B.R. Ambedkar, Partition of India or Pakistan.These words, penned by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during the turbulent days of the partition of India, still resonate today as a stark reminder of the consequences of communal sentiment that divided the Indian subcontinent in 1947. The plight of Hindus across the border in Pakistan then, and Bangladesh now, paints a tragic picture of persecution and violence that has not subsided even after decades of Bangladesh’s existence as an independent nation. In recent months, Bangladesh has witnessed widespread protests fuelled by rising economic hardships, allegations of corruption, and demands for political reforms.Demonstrators have rallied against the government’s handling of inflation and economic inequality, calling for greater transparency and accountability. What started in July 2024 as protests by students against the changes made to the reservation system escalated into a full-blown political crisis. While democracies permit enough space for dissent and protests, the Bangladesh crisis is a thorough example of what happens when anti-social elements take advantage of unanchored student protests..Clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in significant unrest leading to the exile of then Prime Minister Sheik Hasina. Despite that, the ‘student protests’ quickly spiralled into acts of violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh. Under the guise of political demonstrations, extremists unleashed a wave of attacks targeting Hindu homes, businesses, and temples. Reports from various human rights organisations indicate that Hindu families were forced to flee their homes as mobs set fire to their properties and desecrated religious symbols. Several temples were vandalised, idols destroyed, and there were accounts of physical assaults on Hindus.Despite such blatant acts of human violation being unleashed on the Hindu community, no influencer or celebrity raised their voice condemning these acts. The absence was quite obvious given the fact that almost all public figures in India were quick to jump on board the social media trends for Palestine’s children. The persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh is not a recent phenomenon, yet it hasn't garnered any attention from Indian leaders and celebrities. Although, in 1971, Bangladesh was founded with the promise of secularism, the Hindu minority has often found itself at the receiving end of violence and discrimination.During the Liberation War of 1971, the West Pakistani military and their collaborators targeted Hindus in genocidal attacks, leading to mass killings, rapes, and the forced migration of millions to India. The Vested Property Act, a controversial law, allowed the government to seize property of Hindus who fled the country, stripping many of their land and assets. Although this law was repealed, the damage had already been done, contributing to the continued marginalisation of the Hindu community..The consequences of this persecution are reflected in the steady decline of the Hindu population in Bangladesh. At the time of partition in 1947, Hindus made up roughly 30% of East Pakistan’s (now Bangladesh) population. By the time Bangladesh became independent in 1971, that number had fallen to around 19%. In 2023, Hindus represented less than 8% of the population. This dramatic decline can be attributed to multiple factors, including emigration to India due to insecurity, forced conversions, and the cumulative impact of violence and discrimination.The Hindu exodus from Bangladesh has been a slow but relentless process, driven by fear and persecution. While India is willing to accept refugees under the Citizenship Amendment Act, leaving their home and roots should be the last resort for Bangladeshi Hindus. In order to ensure this, it is imperative for the Hindu community, both in Bangladesh and worldwide, to stand united. If history has taught us anything, it is that unity is the only path to survival and strength.The global Hindu diaspora must also step up in support of their beleaguered brothers and sisters in Bangladesh. Advocacy for the rights of Bangladeshi Hindus on international platforms, raising awareness, and holding the Bangladeshi Government accountable are critical steps to ensuring their safety and security. While calls for peace and tolerance must always be at the forefront, the Hindu community must also be prepared to defend itself against those who seek to extinguish its culture and religion, in the form of legal action, community organising, and international diplomacy. Only through solidarity and resilience can the Hindu community ensure its survival in a region that has become increasingly hostile. Without the protection and safeguarding of Hindu rights, it will be an uphill task for India to stand first, in the neighbourhood and the world.