Vishva Hindu Parishad demands safety of Hindus in Bangladesh

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, August 8

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has urged the Government of India and the international community to ensure the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh in view of the volatile situation prevailing there.

Addressing a news conference here today, VHP’s joint general secretary Dr Surendra Jain and state secretary Varun Kumar pointed out that Bangladesh is facing violence and anarchy.

“After the elected Prime Minister resigned and left the country, anarchist elements have taken over and there is no law and order there. The Hindu residents of Bangladesh are being subjected to large-scale harassment by the extremists amid the chaos,” they said.

Dr Jain said religious places, business establishments and houses of the Hindus are being damaged in Bangladesh, which, he said, was worrisome.

“Such incidents are being reported from all districts of Bangladesh. Temples have been damaged heavily. Even the cremation grounds have not been spared,” he alleged.

The VHP leader maintained that the population of the Hindus in Bangladesh had come down from 32 per cent to 8 per cent.

He said it was the responsibility of the international community to take effective measures to ensure the safety of minorities in Bangladesh and protect their human rights.

“India certainly cannot turn a blind eye to this situation. India has helped oppressed refugees from all over the world. The VHP urges the Government of India to take effective steps to ensure the safety of the minorities in Bangladesh,” said Dr Jain.

Kumar maintained that a democratic and secular government should be re-established in Bangladesh as soon as possible and the provision of human rights to the minority community should be ensured.