Hema Malini Condemns Atrocities Against Hindus in Bangladesh, Urges Immediate Action
New Delhi, Dec 4 (IANS) – BJP MP from Mathura and renowned Krishna devotee Hema Malini voiced strong condemnation of the ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Highlighting the religious and cultural ties between the two nations, she called for urgent measures to ensure the safety of minority communities in the neighboring country.
Malini, a staunch follower of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), expressed her sorrow over the plight of Hindus, particularly ISKCON devotees, in Bangladesh. “As a Krishna devotee and an MP from Mathura, I cannot tolerate any attack on religion. Krishna is in our hearts, and this is an emotional issue for millions,” she stated.
Referring to specific incidents, she highlighted the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu monk and ISKCON devotee, who was jailed on charges of treason for peacefully protesting against atrocities on Hindus. She also condemned the attack on a Bangladeshi lawyer defending Das, leaving him critically injured and disrupting the legal proceedings for Das’ bail.
“This is not just a diplomatic issue but one tied to the emotions of millions. Continuous attacks on Hindus by radicals in Bangladesh cannot be ignored,” Malini said, demanding immediate intervention by the Bangladeshi government to safeguard its minority communities.
Malini also drew attention to the declining Hindu population in Bangladesh, which has dropped from 22% during the 1971 Liberation War to just 8% today. Reports of violence and discrimination against Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists have been on the rise, with more than 2,000 documented acts of violence and at least nine minority deaths this year alone.
Calling on the Bangladesh government to ensure justice and safety for minorities, she emphasized the global contributions of ISKCON, which operates nearly 1,000 centers worldwide promoting Vedic culture and community welfare. “We demand the safety and dignity of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh,” she concluded.
The issue underscores the ongoing challenges faced by minority communities in Bangladesh and highlights the need for greater international attention and action.