Guwahati: Loka Jagaran Mancha’s Guwahati Mahanagar unit had submitted a memorandum to Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, on 3 December 2024, where it expressed serious concern over the atrocities committed against the religious minorities in the south Asian country. The document, sent via Kamrup metro district authorities of Assam, outlined the widespread attacks, killings, looting, arson, and persecution of women and children belonging to Hindus and other religious minorities in the Muslim majority nation.
The organization strongly condemned the role of Islamic extremists in perpetuating these violations and highlighted the lack of adequate action from the government in Dhaka to safeguard the fundamental rights and lives of the minority families. The memorandum also expressed distress over the suppression of peaceful democratic protests, organized by Hindu minorities seeking protection from violence, particularly citing the unjust arrest of ISKCON spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das by the Bangladeshi authorities.
Loka Jagaran Mancha described the dire situation, where spiritual leaders like Hindu sadhus and sants are being targeted and it called the Bangladesh government to address the issues of relentless human rights violation urgently. Stressing the principles of democracy and fairness, the organization decried the Bangla government’s silence and failure to act against the perpetrators.
The forum demanded an immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and expected due measures to ensure the safety & dignity of minorities, protection of religious places and enforcement of law & order to curb the extremist violence. The signatories namely Bankim Sarma, Partha Bhattacharjee, Partha Pratim Das and Vaskar Baidya stated that Bangladesh’s treatment of its minorities contradicts international norms & democratic values. They emphasized on both the Bangladesh government and global institutions to take a serious notice of the issue.
As reports of increasing attacks on women, children, and religious institutions continue to pour from Bangladesh, Loka Jagaran Mancha reaffirmed its commitment in advocating for justice & equality for the marginalized communities in the region. The memorandum concluded with a plea for immediate corrective action to restore peace, security, and harmony. It also represented a critical appeal for accountability and justice amidst growing concerns over religious intolerance and sectarian violence, echoing broader calls for upholding the rights of all citizens irrespective of their religious faiths.
