MRM raises concerns over attacks on Hindus; exposes conspiracy of Islamic fundamentalism in Bangladesh
Aug 10, 2024
New Delhi [India], August 10 : The Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) has expressed deep concern over the escalating attacks on Hindus, Buddhists, and other minority communities in Bangladesh and claims that these assaults are part of a calculated conspiracy by Islamic fundamentalists aimed at decimating the Hindu population and seizing their properties under the guise of reservation.
Speaking on the issue, MRM national convenor Shahid Sayeed highlighted that the lives, properties, and dignity of approximately 13 million Hindus in Bangladesh are in grave danger.
He noted that at the time of Bangladesh's independence, Hindus constituted 29 per cent of the population, but this number has now dwindled to less than 9 per cent.
Sayeed warned that Bangladesh risks following Pakistan's path unless strict measures are taken to curb these attacks.
He stressed that the ongoing movement against reservation in Bangladesh seems to have been a mere pretext, as violence against Hindus continues unabated, with their homes, shops, and temples being systematically targeted--indicating a well-orchestrated campaign against the Hindu community.
Sayeed specifically pointed to the formation of a new interim government, in which Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus plays a pivotal role.
He urged Yunus' government to take decisive action to address these attacks and ensure the safety of the Hindu community. Saeed cautioned that without stability, Bangladesh risks descending into chaos, jeopardizing the peace and security of the entire region.
At an emergency meeting held in New Delhi on Friday, National Convenor Mohammad Afzal emphasized the significance of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Members in attendance unanimously agreed that had the CAA been enacted, the Indian government would have a more effective mechanism to address crises like the one in Bangladesh.
Afzal argued that those opposing the CAA have committed unconstitutional, inhumane, and unjust acts. He stated that with the CAA in place, India would have been better equipped to protect minorities in Bangladesh. He strongly criticized the opponents of the CAA, accusing them of endangering the safety of vulnerable communities.
Professor Shahid Akhtar, another National Convenor of MRM, suggested that a deep conspiracy lies behind the anti-reservation movement in Bangladesh, particularly following the removal of Sheikh Hasina's government.
He asserted that fundamentalists from Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh are exploiting the situation to oppress Hindus. Professor Akhtar praised Hasina's efforts to maintain good relations with India and her crackdown on extremist hideouts.
However, with Hasina out of power, the situation has rapidly deteriorated, leading to an increase in atrocities against Hindus.
National Convenor Syed Raza Hussain Rizvi of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch strongly condemned the ongoing violence in Bangladesh.
Rizvi emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace, harmony, and brotherhood and that such incidents tarnish its image.
He condemned the attacks on religious sites, murders, and heinous acts like rape, stating that they wrongly portray Islam as a violent religion. Rizvi made it clear that the Muslim Rashtriya Manch unequivocally condemns these actions and will not tolerate violence committed in the name of Islam.
MRM National Convenor Abu Bakar Naqvi expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Bangladesh. He pointed out that Hindus are being forcibly displaced, with their homes and lands being occupied.
Naqvi criticized the Bangladesh government for its failure to prevent these attacks and urged India to adopt a strategic diplomatic approach to restore peace in Bangladesh.
MRM National Convenor Dr Shalini Ali mentioned that while the Indian government is in constant contact with Bangladeshi officials, the law and order situation there is dire. She emphasized the need for strong diplomatic and administrative measures to restore peace in Bangladesh and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The meeting was attended by 60 individuals, including Mohammad Afzal, Professor Shahid Akhtar, Abu Bakar Naqvi, S.K. Muddin, Syed Raza Hussain Rizvi, Girish Juyal, Virag Pachpor, Dr Tahir Hussain, Islam Abbas, Mohammad Irfan Ahmed Pirzada, Mazahir Khan, Reshma Hussain, Dr Shalini Ali, Mohammad Ilyas, Shahid Sayeed, Dr Rajiv Srivastava among others.