Urgent Appeal to the United Nations: Address the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh
Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor, Shottobani
London – 15 August 2024: The Campaign for Religious Minorities in Bangladesh (CPRMB) has submitted an urgent appeal to Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, calling for immediate international intervention in response to the alarming rise in violence and persecution against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, as well as the recent killings of students. These atrocities have coincided with the political instability following the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In a letter addressed to Mr. Volker Türk, CPRMB expressed profound concern over the escalating violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. Reports indicate that mobs have attacked Hindu homes, temples, and businesses, resulting in significant loss of life and property. These acts, fuelled by religious intolerance and political opportunism, have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the Hindu minority, many of whom are now living in constant fear for their safety.
The letter also highlights the tragic killings of students, which have sent shockwaves throughout the nation and further deepened the sense of injustice and insecurity. These events, occurring in the wake of Prime Minister Hasina’s removal, underscore the volatile political environment in Bangladesh and the urgent need for international action to protect vulnerable communities.
CPRMB has called on the United Nations to take the following actions:
Launch an Independent Investigation: The UN is urged to initiate an independent investigation into the recent violence against Hindus and the killings of students in Bangladesh to identify and hold accountable those responsible for these heinous crimes.
Pressure on the Bangladeshi Government: The appeal calls for the UN to exert pressure on the interim government of Bangladesh to take swift and effective measures to protect religious minorities, ensure the safety of students, and safeguard other vulnerable groups during this period of political transition.
Support for Displaced Populations: CPRMB requests the UN’s support for initiatives aimed at protecting and resettling displaced Hindus and other affected populations, including the provision of necessary humanitarian assistance and security guarantees.
Enforcement of International Human Rights Standards: The appeal emphasises the need for the UN to enforce international human rights standards in Bangladesh, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs, can live without fear of persecution or violence.
Narayan Bhattacharjee, speaking on behalf of CPRMB, stated, “The current situation in Bangladesh is a grave human rights crisis. The international community must not remain silent while innocent lives are lost and entire communities are terrorised. We call upon the United Nations to act decisively and ensure that justice is served and the rights of all citizens in Bangladesh are protected.”