Asserting that attacks on Hindu temples and religious sites were part of a “disturbing pattern”, he said it reflected “a growing anti-minority sentiment with extremist rhetoric, endangering secular principles and the security of religious minorities”.
Meanwhile, at least 30 suspects were arrested in the Bangladeshi town of Chattogram for their alleged involvement in the killing of an assistant public prosecutor on Tuesday during clashes between security personnel and followers of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who is also the spokesperson of Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote. .
Das was arrested from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday when he was about to fly to Chattogram to attend a rally. He was charged with sedition.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement expressed “deep concern” over the “arrest and denial of bail” to Das. “This incident follows a series of attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh,” he said.
There were “several documented cases” of arson and looting of minority homes and businesses, as well as theft and vandalism and destruction of deities and temples, according to the MEA. “It is unfortunate that while the perpetrators of these incidents remain at large, charges should be brought against religious leaders who make legitimate demands through peaceful meetings,” the statement said. Mahmud, who was one of the most senior members of Sheikh Hasina’s ministry until he was ousted on August 5 following the student uprising, expressed hope that the new Trump administration in the US would push for “free and fair elections in Bangladesh and play a level playing field for all parties.” at the earliest”, stressing that a democratic Bangladesh will contribute to regional peace and security.
The former Foreign Minister also expressed concern about the rise of extremist factions in the political vacuum left by the Hasina government, pointing to the “higher activity” of the Pakistani Embassy in Dhaka as evidence of foreign involvement in fueling the unrest, claiming that, “Pakistan is close to some this extremist group.”
“The anti-India rhetoric by the interim government and the rise of fundamentalist forces are closely related and interconnected. Those who are part of this interim government, lead and support it, if you check their background you will know the truth. These are all connected,” he said.
Mahmud describes the grim situation facing religious minorities in Bangladesh, with attacks on Hindu and Buddhist temples becoming increasingly frequent.
“Every corner of the country has seen some form of aggression against minorities, especially Hindus,” the 61-year-old politician said in a phone interview.
He accused the interim government, led by economist-turned-politician Yunus, of failing to provide security for the community, fueled by rising fundamentalist sentiment and targeting violence against non-Muslim groups.
“In the last three months, the country has witnessed several horrific attacks on temples and minorities. No effective measures have been taken by the government to prevent such incidents,” he said.
Mahmud asserts that the increase in violence against Hindus and attacks on temples appears to be closely related to the increase in anti-India rhetoric.
“Those who oppose secular politics now act with impunity,” he said.
In an interview with PTI in September, Muhammad Yunus claimed that the issue of attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh was “overhyped,” saying that the attacks were more political than communal, arising from the perception that most Hindus supported the now defunct Awami League. regime.
Mahmud strongly refuted Muhammad Yunus’ statement, saying: “This issue is not a matter of political perception, but a real and growing threat to the safety and security of religious minorities,” adding that his comments underestimate the gravity of the situation and ignore the increasing violence against Hindus.
He cited the “fundamentalist forces” that he believed were given freedom under Yunus’ rule.
“The strengthening of these forces is dangerous for the secular fabric of Bangladesh,” he said, warning that anti-India sentiment has historically gained traction when extremist groups have gained ground in Bangladesh.
Historically, Hindus comprised 22 percent of Bangladesh’s population during the Liberation War of 1971. Today, they represent about 8 percent due to socio-political marginalization and sporadic violence.
Expressing concern over the dangers of unchecked fundamentalism, Mahmud said, “Some people are trying to turn Bangladesh into a ‘second Afghanistan’ by exploiting the current instability.”
