‘Not Isolated Incidents’: Dhirendra Shastri Raises Alarm Over Hindu Safety In Bangladesh

Spiritual leader and Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, widely known as Bageshwar Baba, on Friday sounded a sharp warning over fresh incidents of mob violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, calling the attacks alarming and cautioning that the minority community there faces an existential threat if the situation continues unchecked.

Speaking to reporters in Raipur, shortly after arriving for a five-day Hanumant Katha at Jayanti Stadium in Bhilai, Shastri described the violence across the border as deeply distressing.

While calling his religious discourse ‘auspicious’, he deliberately shifted focus to what he termed a grave humanitarian and civilisational crisis unfolding in Bangladesh.

Shastri referred to the lynching of 29-year-old Amrit Mandal alias Samrat in Bangladesh’s Rajbari district on December 24, where a mob allegedly beat him at Hosaindanga Old Market in Pangsha Upazila, leading to his death.

He also recalled the earlier killing and burning of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das, reportedly over blasphemy allegations, pointing to a disturbing pattern of targeted violence.

“This is not an isolated incident. This is the second lynching in a short span,” Shastri said, urging Hindus across India to remain alert and united.

“If we fail to stand up now, the idea of Hindu unity will lose all meaning,” he added.

The Bageshwar Dham chief called on the Government of India to take firm diplomatic and administrative steps.

He advocated strict action against illegal immigration, specifically mentioning Rohingya refugees, while simultaneously urging India to open humanitarian corridors for persecuted Bangladeshi Hindus seeking refuge.

“If authorities fail to take decisive steps, the situation could push Hindus in Bangladesh toward forced conversions or even annihilation,” he warned, saying the developments serve as a wake-up call for India.

Response to Bhupesh Baghel’s Criticism

Shastri also addressed former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s criticism, which has previously targeted his religious practices and social initiatives.

Baghel had questioned the logic of Shastri establishing a cancer hospital while claiming spiritual healing abilities.

Responding sharply, Shastri rejected allegations of hypocrisy or superstition.

“I never claimed medicine is unnecessary. Faith and medicine serve different purposes,” he said. “Divine grace has its place, but treatment requires hospitals; that is why we are building one.”

He clarified that donations received at Bageshwar Dham are not accumulated for personal gain but redirected toward social welfare, including mass marriages for underprivileged girls, healthcare infrastructure, and charitable causes.

“A church or a temple cannot cure everything. Hospitals are essential,” he noted.

Shastri’s remarks arrive amid heightened India–Bangladesh tensions over minority safety, with protests erupting in several Indian cities demanding protection for Hindus across the border. His Bhilai event, meanwhile, has drawn massive crowds, amplifying the political and social resonance of his statements.

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