Shujaat Ali Quadri, Chairman of the Muslim Students’ Organisation of India, on Saturday expressed serious concerns over the interim government’s inability to safeguard minority groups in Bangladesh. He accused the interim administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, of failing to protect minorities, especially Hindus.
Speaking to ANI, Quadri said, “The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has failed to protect minorities, particularly Hindus, as well as other groups like the Ahmadiyyas, Sufis, Barelvis, and Christians. News reports indicate that several temples have been destroyed, and targeted killings of Hindus and Sufi Barelvi leaders have taken place. This failure underscores the government’s inability to ensure the safety of minorities.”
Quadri further warned that the volatile situation in Bangladesh poses a significant threat to regional security, especially in India and South Asia. “Radical and fundamentalist forces are becoming increasingly active in Bangladesh, including the Islamic fundamentalist group Hizb ut-Tahrir. This alarming trend threatens the security of India, South Asia, and the broader region. Given the proximity of seven Indian states to Bangladesh, any instability there will inevitably impact India’s internal security,” he stated.
Condemning calls to ban ISKCON, Quadri described the move as an “inappropriate act” by fundamentalist groups allegedly supported by Pakistan. He remarked, “ISKCON is a humanitarian organization providing food, relief, and other aid globally, regardless of religion, caste, or creed”.
“During the recent floods in Bangladesh, ISKCON offered significant assistance to Muslims and others. Demanding a ban on such an organization is deeply inappropriate and driven by the agendas of fundamentalists influenced by Pakistan” he added.
Highlighting the deteriorating situation, Quadri noted, “Reports of atrocities against minorities, including Hindus, Sufis, and Barelvis, are deeply concerning. Temples, dargahs, and Sufi khanqahs have been destroyed by fundamentalist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam. The situation is both dangerous and alarming.”
Quadri’s comments come amid growing concerns about violence against minority communities in Bangladesh. Recent incidents, including the destruction of temples and attacks following the arrest of former priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, have raised alarms.
The international community has expressed apprehension, with India’s Ministry of External Affairs urging the interim Bangladeshi government to take immediate measures to protect minorities. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “India has consistently and strongly raised concerns with the Bangladesh government about threats and targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities. The interim government must fulfill its responsibility to protect all minority groups.”
He added, “We are deeply troubled by the surge in extremist rhetoric and rising violence. These developments cannot be dismissed as media exaggerations. Bangladesh must take decisive steps to safeguard its minorities and ensure their security.”
(Ani)
