Increasing chaos, anarchy in Bangladesh

Relations between India and Bangladesh have been on the decline since the change of government in Bangladesh on August 5 following widespread student protests. Even at that time the mob had spread violence against Hindu minorities across the country. Many Hindus were murdered, their properties looted and women molested by marauding mobs supported by extremist Islamic organizations. However, it was hoped that some order would be returned to the riot-torn country with the installation of an interim government. Unfortunately this did not happen. The anti-India character of the interim regime only further encourages hoodlums to target minorities. Despite India repeatedly advising measures to protect minorities, the current rulers in Dhaka have looked the other way, while politically supported thugs, often with police encouragement, attack Hindus, looting their homes and shops. Are. That is why the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari on Tuesday is a big shock because his only crime was to peacefully protest against the daily atrocities against minorities. For his sincere effort to provide moral and psychological support to the minorities persecuted by the violent mobs unleashed by the interim government, Brahmachari has been arbitrarily imprisoned. And a kangaroo court has refused to grant him bail after treason charges were filed against him. The chaotic situation in Bangladesh is so severe that on Tuesday, a mob beat Pujari's lawyer to death in the presence of police in the court premises itself. One need not dwell much on the criminal character of the interim regime, although ideologically it is led by Muhammad Yunus who is either unwilling to control the violent elements targeting minorities, or his command at all. Doesn't work. It is for Yunus to decide whether he will remain associated with a regime that deliberately oppresses minorities, or receive short-term titles like “Chief Advisor” to the interim regime of anti-India elements at the end of his life. are more important than concerns of universal human rights and values.

The arrest of Pujari and the imposition of treason charges against him warrant a strong response from the Government of India. Bangladesh may formally reject India's concerns and call it interference in its internal affairs, but the situation on the ground in the country is so serious for minorities that any impartial observer can imagine the fear and insecurity prevailing in the community. Is. The ISKCON priest, who is also the spokesperson of the Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jot, has demanded justice for the victims of widespread anti-Hindu riots and killings in the wake of the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. Pro-Pakistan elements associated with Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami are at the forefront in attacking minorities. As the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said, “There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minority homes and business establishments as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples.” The interim regime in Dhaka cannot escape accountability by merely denying the allegations. It needs to prove its credentials as a responsible government capable of restoring order and protecting all sections of the population regardless of their religious faith and/or political leanings. Otherwise, it faces the real danger of being considered untouchable not only by India but by the entire world. Undoubtedly, India cannot sit idly by even as minorities are being subjected to violent attacks and persecution in its neighbourhood. Meanwhile, the longer Bangladesh remains in chaos and destruction, the less likely it will be for economic recovery. Its mainstay textile export industry cannot stand on its feet unless there is some modicum of peace and security in the country. Bangladesh would rather ignore the multidimensional challenge it faces, rather than play into the hands of Islamist jihadists and anti-India hooligans.