Bangladesh Must Safeguard Minorities

Bangladesh has not stabilised.After the political chaos that engulfed Bangladesh and led to the expulsion and exile of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,India’s Borders with its neighbour are volatile.So are the relations.Minorities are facing atrocities and genocidal attrition that has led to their displacement with the targeting of their religious places and property.In this age of social media disturbing visuals and videos showing the atrocities on religious minorities have gone viral.It has shocked international community.It has indeed brought disgrace to the political class and the law and order enforcing agencies in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, it is a welcome step that the Chief Advisor of the interim government,Nobel Laureate Mohammad Younis has said that he wants Bangladesh as a nation, where people of all faiths can practice their religions without fear and there is a need to create such a situation where there is no need to guard temples.He was addressing the Hindu minority leaders on the occasion of Shree Krishna Janam Ashtami.He assured them that Bangladesh is a big family and thus,Hindus cannot be separated from the national mainstream. Indeed, to safeguard the rights of all citizens is the duty of the government. Minority Hindus also highlighted the issues of temple property encroachment.Now that the Chief Advisor has interacted with the minority and assured them the security from government, it must be taken seriously.The situation on ground needs immediate redressal.The scenes on the raods of Bangladesh have revealed the subversion that was brewing from a long time and has now erupted.If this lawlessness and genocidal attrition against the minorities is not stopped,Bangladesh will surely end up as another regressive zone.It will only invite reprimand.In such a situation India has to weigh its pros and cons as far as the relations with Bangladesh are concerned.India cannot afford to lose the guard.As the borders with Bangladesh have always been fragile and tense.The reason being the presecution unleashed by religious fanatics.This has led to socio-political impact in West Bengal.Indian Government must take the issue of security and safety of minorities with Bangladesh.If this situation goes further out of control then it can have political repercussions in India and Indian masses are already enraged and want the government to act and put its foot down.One thing is clear that the present Bangladesh is not the one that was freed from the Pakistani slavery by Indian Armed Forces.It has deviated from the path of democratic and inclusive nationhood and ended up as the nucleus of fanatic regression.India has to be practical and call a spade a spade to ensure the safety of minorities. Procrastination will polarise the Indian masses and can lead to severe political implication that is not good in the long run. India must pressurise Bangladesh to restore democracy at the earliest and provide constitutional safeguards to people belonging to minority groups.The present situation in Bangladesh has proved that minorities will always remain vulnerable and will be targeted by the religious radicals. India must urge the international community to intervene and force Bangladesh to restore the human rights that are being denied to minorities.Recently,a Bangladeshi student studying at NIT Silchar has been deported for endorsing the anti India social media post with a love emoji. Her act underlines a sinister design.Such tendencies have to be nipped in the bud.This is a dangerous signal.Such elements indulging in anti India rant from Indian soil must be dealt with swift action.Indian agencies must keep such students and elements from Bangladesh on their watchlist.So that they are not allowed to disrupt social harmony.