Chandigarh, December 6:
Reports of atrocities and persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh have sparked anger and outrage across the country.
Addressing a press conference at the Chandigarh Press Club, Swami Shyamanand Ji Maharaj, the patron of Sanatan Suraksha Samiti and head of Shri Krishna Parnami Nijdarbar in Sector 39, expressed concern over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power. He stated that since the dismissal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, attacks on religious minorities, particularly Hindus, have significantly increased with the tacit approval and active participation of the Bangladeshi government.
Swami Shyamanand highlighted the troubling trend of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. He noted that these attacks have not only caused loss of life and property but have also created an atmosphere of fear among these communities. The violence includes the destruction and desecration of temples and religious sites, brutal killings, rapes, injuries, displacement, and looting and arson of homes, businesses, and properties.
Citing declining Hindu population statistics, he revealed that in 1971, Hindus comprised 30% of the population in Bangladesh and 15% in Pakistan. Today, these figures have dropped to 9% and 2%, respectively.
Swami Shyamanand urged the Indian government to press Bangladesh to ensure the safety of minorities and demanded the deployment of security forces in sensitive areas.
Jathedar Baba Harjeet Singh Rasoolpur added that while Hindus are tolerant, they must take up arms to protect their religion if needed. He suggested that if diplomatic measures fail, the Indian government should take military action to establish peace in Bangladesh. “We are ready to sacrifice everything for the protection of our faith,” he said.
Representatives from ISKCON, including Brihad Prasad and Jitendra Sharma, along with Bhavadhs General Secretary Swami O.P. Dravid, Advocate S. Satinder Singh, Advocate Preeti Chauhan, and Jai Prakash Gupta from Shri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math, were also present.
Protest on December 8 at Sector 17 Plaza
Swami Shyamanand Ji Maharaj announced that Sanatan Suraksha Samiti will organize a major protest on Sunday, December 8, at Sector 17 Plaza against the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. Numerous religious and social organizations from the city are expected to participate actively in the event.
Bhavadhs General Secretary Swami O.P. Dravid appealed to the public to join the protest in large numbers.
Reports from Bangladesh indicate that Hindus are being targeted, their homes seized, shops looted and burned, and jobs in public and private sectors taken away due to pressure from extremists. Moreover, the Bangladeshi government is reportedly preventing Hindus from emigrating to India or other countries, fearing that such migration would expose its failure to protect minorities.
Even with valid passports and visas, most Hindus leaving Bangladesh are stopped at airports by immigration police. The government fears that the departure of Hindus will bring international attention to the atrocities being committed and its inability to address them.
Hindu temples in Bangladesh are under attack, idols are being desecrated, and temples are being vandalized. Groups of assailants are reportedly abducting women and girls, with many incidents being too horrific to describe.
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