Suvendu Adhikari urges Amit Shah to address Hindu attacks in crisis-hit Bangladesh

New Delhi: West Bengal Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari recently met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to highlight the alleged attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh, which is currently facing a political crisis following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to a PTI report, Shah assured Adhikari that the Narendra Modi government is taking appropriate action regarding the situation. During their discussion, Adhikari emphasized the importance of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in light of the crisis in Bangladesh.

Political Turmoil in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has been plunged into a severe political crisis after 76-year-old Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amidst growing protests. Protesters have targeted properties associated with Hasina’s party, the Awami League, and her family, leading to widespread vandalism.

Reports indicate that the Hindu community, which makes up about eight percent of Bangladesh’s 170 million population, has been particularly affected. Historically, Hindus have supported the Awami League, founded by Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Attacks on Hindu Community

The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) reported to Reuters that 200-300 predominantly Hindu homes and businesses have been vandalized since Monday, with 15-20 Hindu temples damaged. Up to 40 people have been injured, though not seriously. Suvendu Adhikari took a swipe at the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, asserting that the current situation underscores the necessity of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The CAA, which was notified in March, grants citizenship to persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India by December 31, 2014.

Adhikari also referenced the historical migration of Hindus from Bangladesh during the 1971 war and noted that atrocities against Hindus and their temples continue in the neighboring country. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Parliament that minorities, their businesses, and temples had come under attack at multiple locations in Bangladesh, though the full extent of the damage remains unclear.