Deepanwita Martin
Yunus Government’s Actions Could Invite Prolonged India’s diplomatic intervention, Undermining Bangladesh’s Sovereignty
Due to the mistakes of the Yunus government, if the India intervenes Bangladesh even once, it will not be possible to make them leave this time. Their presence will become long-term.
Violence Against Hindu Minorities:
Since July 16, 2024, Bangladesh has been engulfed in a wave of violence and human rights abuses, with the situation worsening following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The death toll surged from 615 by August 11 to a staggering 8,958 by the end of the month. Security forces and militias have been accused of widespread killings and targeting minority communities using illegal weaponry.
Hindu minorities have faced horrific persecution, including sexual assaults, murders, and the destruction of over 300 temples and homes. Notable incidents include:
• Pirojpur (Aug 4): A Hindu girl was sexually assaulted during an attack on her village.
• Noakhali (Aug 4): Mass murders and gang rapes targeting Hindus.
• Satkhira (Aug 6): A Hindu girl was brutally raped by madrasa students.
• Dinajpur (Aug 7): Over 40 minority-owned shops looted.
• Lalmonirhat (Sept 7): Hindu villagers coerced into joining Jamaat-e-Islami under threats and manipulation.
Recent Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das:
India has raised serious concerns following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu leader and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote. Das, known for advocating the rights of Hindus and other minority communities, was denied bail, heightening tensions in the region. His arrest comes amidst a broader wave of violence targeting religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus.
VHP Condemns Arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, Urges Stronger Action from India
The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from Hindu organizations like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which labeled the action “cowardly and undemocratic.” Bajrang Lal Bagra, the VHP’s international general secretary, condemned the move as a violation of human rights and a silencing of peaceful minority voices. The VHP also criticized the Indian government for not taking stronger action to protect Hindus in Bangladesh.
India’s Statement on Chinmoy’s Arrest:
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement condemning the arrest, accusing the Bangladesh government of targeting peaceful advocates for minority rights. The statement also highlighted the increasing incidents of arson, looting, vandalism, and desecration of Hindu temples, expressing dismay over the lack of accountability for those responsible for the violence.
Hindu organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), have strongly criticized the arrest, calling it “cowardly and undemocratic.” They have urged the Bangladesh government to ensure the protection of religious minorities and their right to peacefully protest without fear of reprisal.
The arrest of Das has sparked widespread condemnation, further raising concerns about the security and freedom of Hindu and other non-Muslim communities in Bangladesh.
Yunus Government’s Response to India’s Statement:
Bangladesh’s Yunus government criticized India’s statements, claiming they were contrary to the spirit of friendship between the two nations.
Public Reaction to Yunus’s Statement:
1. Critics argue that Yunus and his government are enabling terror in Bangladesh by silencing Hindu voices and justifying violence.
2. Others contend that the Bangladesh government is deflecting attention from its own human rights violations, as Hindus continue to suffer under escalating persecution.
These developments reflect a growing humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh, with minority communities facing increasing threats and no protection from the state.
Hate Speech of Sarjis Alam Escalates Tensions:
Sarjis Alam, a student coordinator, made inflammatory remarks accusing Hindus of loyalty to India and calling for harsh measures against ISKCON supporters. His speech urged the government to suppress Hindus, stirring fears of escalating violence.
Chittagong Mobs Threaten Hindus Regarding ISKON Issue:
Islamic mobs in Chittagong marched through Hindu communities chanting: “Catch one by one and slaughter them.” Temples were desecrated, homes burned, and families forced to flee, as critics condemned global silence over the unfolding genocide.
India Seeks to Ensure Safety of Hindus and Minorities in Neighboring Country:
India is deeply concerned about the safety of Hindu and minority communities in a neighboring country, as escalating violence and human rights abuses target these groups. Attacks on Hindus, including assaults and the destruction of temples, have sparked widespread fear and outrage in Bangladesh, leading to calls for urgent action to protect vulnerable communities.
As India always seeks to protect Hindus and minorities in neighboring countries, what if they intervene in Bangladesh to protect vulnerable communities?
S.P. Vaid (Former DGP of Jammu and Kashmir Police) said: “Attention Muhammad Yunus, if Bharat could grant independence to Bangladesh, it can take it away as well.”
U.S. and China’s Strategic Interests:
The geopolitical implications of this tension have drawn attention from the U.S. and China. The U.S., under its strong ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has consistently supported India’s regional concerns. Similarly, China’s strategic investments in Myanmar align its interests with maintaining stability in South Asia, further strengthening India’s position against Bangladesh’s interim government.
This escalating rhetoric underscores the fragile geopolitical balance in South Asia, where maintaining peaceful relations is crucial for regional stability. India’s response to Bangladesh’s perceived aggression will likely define the future trajectory of relations in the region.
Trump Campaign Condemns Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh, Calls for Urgent Action
The Trump campaign has strongly condemned the ongoing violence against Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh, following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The violence escalated after student protests that led to widespread unrest in the country. The campaign has called for immediate international attention and a resolution to the issue, urging for stronger actions to protect vulnerable communities in Bangladesh.
The statement highlights the rising levels of persecution faced by religious minorities, including assaults, murders, and the destruction of religious sites. The Trump campaign stressed the need for the global community to act swiftly to address the crisis and ensure the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.
India’s Right to Respond Under UN charter Article 51:
Dr. Yunus’s recent statement to NDTV, suggesting destabilization could spill over into India’s West Bengal and northeastern regions, has raised concerns of aggression under international law. According to UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, any threat or use of force against a nation’s sovereignty or territorial integrity constitutes aggression. Yunus’s remarks, implying potential threats to India’s internal stability, may fall under this definition.
Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, nations have the right to self-defense against aggression. India could invoke this provision, arguing that its sovereignty and security are at risk. While responses must align with principles of proportionality and necessity, India could employ diplomatic or economic measures to counter the perceived threat and maintain regional stability.
We must wait to see what course of action India decides to take in response to the ongoing situation in Bangladesh. With escalating violence against minorities and increasing tensions between the two nations, India’s next steps—whether diplomatic, economic, or potentially more direct—will significantly impact the region’s stability and future relations.