Today, the Hindu American Foundation sent a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the continued persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh, pressing him to urge the government of Bangladesh to acknowledge and confront the growing influence of both foreign and domestic Islamist organizations in the nation.
“While we are encouraged by the Government of India’s support of Hindus that have fled religious persecution in Bangladesh thanks to the humanitarian Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 we respectfully urge you to take further action to alleviate the dire situation of religious minorities in Bangladesh who look to the secular Republic of India as the only safe haven in the region, “ the HAF letter reads in part.
The letter goes on to recommend that the Government of India take the following steps:
- Urge Bangladesh to acknowledge and appropriately confront the growing presence and activities of foreign Islamist terror groups, such as ISIS and al Qaeda, as well as Islamist terror groups domestic to Bangladesh such as Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam. The Indian subcontinent must work together to identify and eliminate Islamist groups. In order to do that, the rule of law must be enforced in each country, those responsible for anti-minority violence must be prosecuted, and religious minorities must receive the necessary protection from further attacks.
- Work constructively with the government of Bangladesh to ensure that attacks on Hindus and other minorities cease, past victims of violence are fully rehabilitated, and those responsible for attacks are brought to swift justice. India’s officials should be unequivocal in their condemnation of violence in all public statements. In addition, human rights and civil society activists should be supported.
- Consider employing sanctions against Bangladesh until the country creates and executes a satisfactory response to quell mob attacks and violence against Hindus and other minorities.
“We hope the Government of India takes the steps to work with Bangladesh to promote secular democracy and protect its religious minorities, including Hindus,” the letter concludes.
