Swami Sadanand Saraswati Raises Alarm on Hindus' Plight in Bangladesh, Urges Diplomatic Action

New Delhi: Jagguru Shankaracharya Swami Sanand Saraswati Ji, he of Dwarka Shara Peeth, has expressed grave concerns about plight of Hindus in Banglesh. Speaking to Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, Swami Sanand Saraswati Ji has emphasised urgent need for diplomatic efforts, and urged, “ governments of India and Banglesh should sit down and discuss situation of Hindus.”

Highlighting regional issues, he noted, " situation of Hindus in Pakistan and Banglesh is not good," pointing to challenges faced by Hindu communities in both countries. Swami Sanand Saraswati Ji also remarked, "What has been happening for past 50 years is not right," underscoring prolonged difficulties encountered by Hindus in region.

Swami Sanand Saraswati stated that, like in Afghanistan and Iran, rical elements in Banglesh now want to impose ir will. He questioned why Hindus living re are being targeted if re are disputes with government, asking, "What is ir fault? Why are y being selectively killed? Why are ir temples being destroyed?" He emphasized that situation of Hindus in Banglesh is being closely observed and suggested that it would be best for governments of India and Banglesh to sit down and discuss issue to find a solution.

In light of recent unrest in Banglesh, he expressed concerns that situation could evolve towards implementation of Sharia Law, similar to that in Afghanistan under Taliban or in Iran. He questioned, "What is mistake of m, why are y being targeted?" His statements reflect growing international concern over treatment of minority communities in South Asia and highlight need for continued dialogue and intervention.

Shankaracharya Swami Sanand Saraswati said, " opinions of Shankaracharyas of all four Peeths are same, and our principles are same. All Acharyas and Mahamandaleshwars of our country are concerned about this issue. A solution to this problem should be found soon. If not, it will become a norm that wherever Hindus live around world, when problems arise, re will be no one to help m. refore, we want to send a message to Hindus across country and world that y should do whatever y can to protect and uphold Sanatan Dharma wherever y are."

He also stated, "re are hardly any followers of Sanatan Dharma in Pakistan. In Banglesh, re are still about 1.25 crore. Even with such a large number, when y are facing crises, it should be considered, and Muslims in India should also reflect on who is doing killing re. Your conflict is with government. Muslims are persecuting Muslims, Muslims are persecuting Hindus, and Sikhs are being persecuted. All minorities are facing oppression, so we need to be alert as well."

Banglesh violence stirred fear within country's Hindu minority

Following recent unrest in Banglesh, country’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 after weeks of violent protests that prompted her ouster. She is likely to stay in New Delhi until she decides where she will seek asylum. An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhamm Yunus has assumed power in Banglesh and is expected to organize fresh elections.

During protests in Banglesh, many Hindu homes, shops and businesses were attacked. Yunus met with Hindu community leers earlier this week and assured m of ir protection.

student-led protests began in July against a quota system for government jobs that critics said benefitted people with connections to Hasina’s party. protests morphed into a movement against her government, leaving more than 300 people de including students and police officers in ensuing violence.

Members of country's Hindu minority feel most vulnerable because y have tritionally backed Awami League — seen as a secular party in Muslim-majority nation — and because of a history of violence against m during previous upheavals.

In week since Hasina was ousted, re have been at least 200 attacks against Hindus and or religious minorities across 52 districts, according to Banglesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a minority rights group that has been tracking incidents.

interim government put in place after Hasina’s ouster has condemned attacks as “heinous” and said it was working with community leers to ensure Hindus' safety.

Hindus, who make up 8% of population and are largest minority group, “are shivering,” said Kajal Debnath, a vice president of Banglesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council. “y are closing ir doors, y are not opening it without confirming who is knocking. Everybody (in Hindu minority)… from Dhaka capital to remote villages are very scared.”

For many, violence has evoked painful memories of Banglesh’s 1971 war of independence against Pakistan during which Hindus were targeted. Hindus were also attacked during rise of Islamic groups in 1990s, which Hasina stamped out.

Hindus have held large protests in past week drawing thousands, demanding protection and condemning recent spate of attacks.

Munni Ghosh, a Hindu housewife in Dhaka, said that attacks have grown since Hasina fled. “ reason (is) because she used to support us,” she said.

According to minority groups organization, attacks have included vandalizing and looting of Hindu homes and businesses. A few temples have been damaged. But details remain scarce, and police — whose members were also killed during recent violence — went on strike last week.

Some analysts say many of attacks against Hindus are politically driven and reflect resentment against Hasina’s party.