A protest led by the Hindu community against recent killings in Bangladesh was disrupted by individuals identifying as Khalistanis outside the Bangladesh High Commission in London on Saturday.
Disruption of Protest in London
Indian and Bangladeshi Hindus were protesting the killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh when a small group of Khalistan supporters appeared, reportedly in support of Bangladesh. The protests were sparked by the recent lynchings of Dipu Chandra Das and Amrit Mondal.
Hindus in Bangladesh are reportedly seeking assistance from India, requesting the opening of borders to escape violence from Islamist mobs. Fears have been heightened by support for Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman, who is considered a hardliner.
Concerns from Within Bangladesh
Archyworldys spoke with Hindus residing in Rangpur, Chittagong, Dhaka, and Mymensingh via WhatsApp, facilitated by Nihar Haldar, leader of the exiled Bangladesh Sanatan Jagran Macha, and Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON monk. Both Haldar and Das have been accused of sedition.
The situation is also impacting refugee communities in Gadchiroli, Chandrapur (Maharashtra), and Pakhanjur (Chhattisgarh), areas where Hindu immigrants from former East Pakistan have settled. Dr. Subodh Biswas, president of Nikhil Bangla Samanbay Samiti, an organization for former East Pakistan refugees, stated that India is the only country Bangladeshi Hindus can rely on during a crisis and expressed concern over continued border closures.
One Sanatan Jagran Macha activist, speaking anonymously, warned of a potential “holocaust,” while a resident of Mymensingh said opening the Indian borders would at least provide an escape route from persecution. A Hindu resident of Dhaka stated, “We are living the worst nightmare. Opening the Indian borders will at least create an escape route for those facing persecution.”
India’s Response
The acrimonious exchanges between India and Bangladesh culminated on Friday with India condemning “unremitting hostility” against minorities – including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists – in Bangladesh at the hands of extremists. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the recent killing of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Regarding the return of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman to Dhaka after 17 years, the Indian government stated it should be viewed in the context of India’s call for free, fair, and inclusive parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.
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