Not just India but many prominent Bangladesh leaders have also raised an alarm on the fast-deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh, especially for the minorities.

In December, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina strongly condemned the “tortures” inflicted on common people by the interim government in Bangladesh and called for “immediate release” of the Hindu priest. “A top leader of the Sanatan religious community has been unjustly arrested, he must be released immediately,” said Hasina.

The Bangladesh Awami League (AL) president and daughter of the ‘Father of the Nation’ Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman also spotlighted several incidents of persecution of members of minority communities that have been reported from across 52 districts in Bangladesh since her resignation on August 5, this year.

“A temple has been burnt in Chittagong. Previously, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and houses of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized and looted and set on fire. Religious freedom and security of life and property of people of all communities should be ensured,” she stated. “After the killing of innumerable Awami League leaders and workers, students and members of the law and order forces, harassment is going on through assaults and arrests. I strongly condemn and protest against these anarchist activities,” Hasina added.

Devkinandan Thakur

Also in early December, renowned spiritual guru Devkinandan Thakur wrote to the UN, urging the august body to create a separate country for Hindus in Bangladesh if they are unable to ensure their safety. His appeal comes in the wake of the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent spokesperson for the Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, who was detained under sedition charges.

The arrest followed allegations by former Bangladesh National Party (BNP) leader Firoze Khan, claiming that Das had disrespected the national flag of the country.The denial of bail for Das has sparked protests across Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram.

Speaking to IANS, Thakur expressed frustration with the UN’s lack of response, stating, “The UN was founded to stand up for humanity when attacked, but it is silent now. In Bangladesh, Das’ lawyers were beaten, and violence is being unleashed against Hindus, with women and children attacked and homes torched. This cruelty should concern the UN.”

Thakur further demanded international intervention, urging that if the Bangladesh government cannot protect Hindus, the UN should consider creating a separate territory for them. “Hindus have sacrificed their lives in the creation of Bangladesh. I will not tolerate cruelty towards them,” he added.