The Global Bengali Hindu Coalition (GBHC), a Toronto-based rights body, on Friday raised serious concerns over rising persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and urged the world communities to take steps to stop the atrocities on minorities in the neighbouring country.
On behalf of the GBHC, Puspita Gupta and Susanta Das Gupta said that religious minorities in Bangladesh have faced persecution and insecurity since Independence of the country.
They highlighted the demographic decline of Hindus in Bangladesh, from 22 per cent in 1951 to 7.95 per cent in 2022, predicting further reductions by 2046.
Puspita Gupta, quoting a Dhaka University professor, said that no Hindus would be left in Bangladesh 30 years from now if the current rate of “exodus” continues.
GBHC members, while talking to the media in Agartala, highlighted worsening conditions of minorities, citing alarming levels of attacks, displacement, and state-backed communalism.
They accused the current regime of promoting radical Islamist ideologies, endangering Hindus through systemic discrimination, fabricated charges, and destruction of homes and businesses.
The organisation claimed Hindu women have faced sexual violence, while government restrictions have concealed data on these atrocities.
They warned that unchecked Islamic fundamentalism in Bangladesh poses a broader regional and global threat.
To address the crisis, the GBHC demanded the deployment of UN Peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh to protect minorities, and established secured zones for settlements of displaced communities.
The group urged India and global leaders to take immediate steps to protect persecuted minorities and counter extremist ideologies, envisioning a safer and inclusive future for all.
GBHC also urged the United Nations (UN) and the Government of India to take appropriate steps including deployment of the UN Peacekeeping forces to maintain human rights and to protect the Hindus, Buddhists and other minorities in Bangladesh.
Govt justifies deportation from US, cites diplomatic obligation
Calling for a focus on a strong crackdown against the illegal immigration industry, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday reiterated the universal obligation for countries to repatriate their nationals found living abroad illegally.
Saved from penal action, repatriated safely — how have things changed drastically for illegal Indian immigrants since 2014
Making a statement in Parliament, the EAM urged that the focus should instead remain on a strong crackdown against the illegal immigration industry as the process of deportation is not new and has been ongoing for several years.
Emergency was aimed to pamper arrogance of Congress' royal family: PM Modi
Replying in Rajya Sabha to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, PM Modi highlighted how the Congress government during the 'Emergency' persecuted singer Kishore Kumar and actors Dev Anand and Balraj Sahni who refused to support it during that dark phase.
BJP ally Tipra Motha Party threatens to withdraw support if govt does not fulfil promises
Tripura's ruling coalition partner, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), on Thursday threatened to withdraw its support from the BJP-led government if the Centre did not fulfil the provisions of the tripartite accord signed on March 2 last year.
Not new procedure, been in place since 2009: EAM Jaishankar on deportation row
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that there has been "no change from the past procedure" in the deportation of illegal immigrants by the United States, emphasizing that the process is "not a new one".
Cong seeks discussion in LS, dignified treatment for deported Indians by US
The Indian nationals who were deported from the US for illegally arriving in the country on Wednesday claimed that they were sent back on the military aircraft with their hands and legs cuffed throughout the journey.
J&K mysterious deaths: All pesticide, insecticide shops sealed in Rajouri district
All pesticide and insecticide shops have been sealed by authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Rajouri district as part of preventive measures taken after 17 ‘mysterious deaths’ took place in Budhal village, officials said on Thursday.
Pariksha Pe Charcha: PM Modi to engage with students; Sadguru, Mary Kom, Deepika to join discussion
The much-anticipated eighth edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' (PPC) is set to return in an expanded format, featuring an array of distinguished experts and guests, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.