Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh
New Delhi, August 9: The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) has expressed deep concern over the rising attacks on Hindus, Buddhists, and other minority communities in Bangladesh. MRM claims that Islamic fundamentalists are orchestrating a calculated conspiracy to decimate the Hindu population and seize their properties under the guise of reservation.
MRM Warns of Conspiracy Against Hindus
National Convenor Shahid Sayeed highlighted that the lives, properties, and dignity of about 13 million Hindus in Bangladesh are in grave danger. He noted that Hindus made up 29% of Bangladesh’s population at independence, but this has now dropped to less than 9%. Sayeed warned that Bangladesh risks following Pakistan’s path if it does not take strict measures to stop these attacks. He stressed that the anti-reservation movement in Bangladesh appears to be a mere pretext for ongoing violence against Hindus, with their homes, shops, and temples being systematically targeted.
Call for Action from Bangladesh’s Interim Government
Sayeed pointed to the formation of a new interim government in Bangladesh, in which Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus plays a key role. He urged Yunus’ government to take decisive action to stop the attacks and ensure the safety of the Hindu community. Sayeed cautioned that without stability, Bangladesh could descend into chaos, threatening peace and security across the region.
MRM Emphasizes Importance of CAA
At an emergency meeting in New Delhi on Friday, National Convenor Mohammad Afzal emphasized the significance of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He argued that had the CAA been enacted, the Indian government would have a more effective mechanism to address crises like the one in Bangladesh. Afzal accused opponents of the CAA of acting unconstitutionally and endangering the safety of vulnerable communities.
Instability After Hasina’s Ouster
National Convenor Professor Shahid Akhtar suggested that a deep conspiracy lies behind the anti-reservation movement in Bangladesh, particularly after the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government. He claimed that fundamentalists from Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh are exploiting the situation to oppress Hindus. Akhtar praised Hasina’s efforts to maintain good relations with India and crack down on extremist hideouts, but he warned that the situation has rapidly deteriorated since her ouster.
MRM Condemns Violence
National Convenor Syed Raza Hussain Rizvi condemned the ongoing violence in Bangladesh. He emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace, harmony, and brotherhood, and he denounced the attacks on religious sites, murders, and other heinous acts. Rizvi made it clear that the Muslim Rashtriya Manch strongly condemns these actions and will not tolerate violence committed in the name of Islam.
India Urges to Act
MRM National Convenor Abu Bakar Naqvi expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh. He criticized the Bangladesh government for failing to prevent these attacks and urged India to adopt a strategic diplomatic approach to restore peace in the country. Dr. Shalini Ali, another National Convenor, emphasized the need for strong diplomatic and administrative measures to restore peace and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Meeting Attendees
The emergency meeting was attended by 60 individuals, including MRM leaders Mohammad Afzal, Professor Shahid Akhtar, Abu Bakar Naqvi, Syed Raza Hussain Rizvi, and Dr. Shalini Ali. They discussed the situation in Bangladesh and called for urgent action to protect minority communities.
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