Hindus in Bangladesh Face Attacks with Government’s Tacit Approval and Active Involvement: Swami Shyamanand Ji Maharaj
The Voice of Chandigarh News
Reports and news of atrocities and oppression against Hindus in Bangladesh have created an atmosphere of anger and outrage across the country. addressing a press conference today at the Chandigarh Press Club, Swami Shyamanand Ji Maharaj, protector of the Sanatan Suraksha Samiti and head of Shri Krishna Parnami Nij Darbar in Sector 39, expressed deep concern over the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024. He stated that attacks on Hindus have surged significantly since her dismissal, occurring with the tacit approval and active involvement of the Bangladeshi government.
He pointed out a troubling trend of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, leading to loss of life and property, fear among communities, destruction and desecration of temples, and heinous crimes such as murder, rape, injuries, displacement, and arson. He shared alarming statistics, highlighting the drastic reduction in Hindu populations in Bangladesh (30% in 1971 to 9% now) and Pakistan (15% to 2%).
Swami Shyamanand urged the Indian Government to press Bangladesh to ensure the safety of minorities and deploy security forces in sensitive areas there.
On the occasion, Jathedar Baba Harjeet Singh Rasulpur remarked that Hindus are tolerant, but defending religion sometimes requires taking up arms. He said the Indian government should attack Bangladesh to establish peace if necessary. He affirmed that they are ready to sacrifice for the cause of religion.
Representatives of various religious and social organizations, including ISKCON’s Brihad Prasad and Jitendra Sharma, BHAVADHAS, General Secretary Swami OP Dravid, Advocate S. Satinder Singh, Advocate Preeti Chauhan, Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math’s Jaiprakash Gupta and Dharmachary Girwar Sharma were present at the press conference.
Protest to be Held on December 8 at Plaza
Swami Shyamanand Ji Maharaj announced a massive protest on December 8 (Sunday) at the Plaza in Sector 17, Chandigarh, under the banner of the Sanatan Suraksha Samiti. Many city-based religious and social organizations are expected to participate in the protest. Swami OP Dravid urged the public to participate enthusiastically in the protest.
Reports indicate that Hindus in Bangladesh are being selectively targeted, with their homes seized, shops looted and burned, and employment in government and private companies terminated under extremist pressure. The government of Bangladesh is reportedly refusing to allow Hindus to leave for India or other countries to cover up the atrocities.
Many Hindus attempting to leave Bangladesh with valid passports and visas are stopped by immigration police at airports. The Bangladeshi government fears global exposure of its failures if Hindus flee the country. Temples in Bangladesh are being attacked, idols desecrated, and women abducted by mobs. Verified reports describe numerous heinous incidents too severe to detail.
