Sheikh Hasina Voices Concern Over Attacks on Religious Minorities in Bangladesh

New Delhi, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed serious concerns regarding the ongoing violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. In an exclusive interview, she highlighted the alarming increase in attacks targeting these communities, including violent incidents at their homes and places of worship.

Hasina noted that the situation has instilled fear among minority groups, with many families now feeling unsafe in their own country. “I am very worried about what is happening to religious minorities in Bangladesh. Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and people of all faiths are equal citizens of our country. They have the same rights to live safely, practice their religion, and protect their families and property,” she stated.

The former Prime Minister specifically mentioned the case of imprisoned Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, describing it as a painful incident. Authorities denied him parole to see his seriously ill mother, only granting him five hours to attend her funeral after her passing.

“I want to mention a heartbreaking event. Chinmoy Krishna Das was in jail while his mother was critically ill. His family wanted him to see her before she died, but that did not happen. After her death, he was given just five hours of parole to attend the funeral. During our government, we worked to maintain religious harmony,” Hasina added.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson for the Bangladesh United Sanatan Jagran Jot, remains in jail despite being granted bail in two cases, as his release is stalled due to two other pending cases. He was arrested on November 25, 2024, in Dhaka, and his bail application was denied the following day by a court in Chittagong. His arrest sparked widespread protests among the Hindu community in Bangladesh and around the world.

India has also expressed serious concern over Das’s arrest, repeatedly urging Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Hindus and all minority communities in the country.

Hasina called on the international community to pay serious attention to the rising atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh. “I want everyone of all faiths to feel that Bangladesh is equally their home. The international community must focus on what is happening here. There should be a fair investigation into the attacks on minorities,” she emphasized.

She insisted that those responsible for such acts must be brought to justice and that every citizen should receive equal protection under the law. A person’s religious identity should never determine their safety in their own country.