Follow @RiseOfVoices

The Hindu minority community in Bangladesh has been enduring persecution for a long time. The fear has increased further after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, especially among the supporters of the Awami League, which includes both the majority Muslims and the minority Hindus. As a result, many have left their homes and sought refuge in India.

BJP leaders in Bengal, including Suvendu Adhikari, have claimed that one crore Bangladeshi minority Hindus will come seeking refuge in India, urging everyone to be prepared. The BSF has naturally been stopping Bangladeshi minority Hindus at the border. Despite the desperate cries of those stranded in no man’s land shouting “Jai Shri Ram” in hopes of asylum, no help has been extended to them. What more can be done? This is rubbing salt into the raw wounds of these thousands who are now homeless. What more can be done to really help?

In recent years, aggressive propaganda by ruling political parties regarding the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and NRC (National Register of Citizens) has created a severe division in Indian politics. While promises were made to grant citizenship to Bangladeshi Hindu minorities through the CAA, the reality is very different. Their rights have not been secured in practice through the NRC implementation process. These controversial measures have further reduced the chances of asylum for those attempting to cross the border into India.

On the other hand, the CPI(M) Politburo expressed deep concern on August 11 about the attacks on Bangladeshi Hindu minorities. They highlighted the instability following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and the attacks by extremist groups, calling on the temporary administration in Bangladesh to take urgent steps for the protection of minorities. They also urged high-level discussions with the Indian government.

It is worth noting that in the past, the Left Front played a crucial role in the rehabilitation of refugees. Under their leadership, thousands of refugee families were rehabilitated and shown a path to self-sufficiency. This historical role has become even more relevant against the backdrop of current state politics.

However, the ruling party in Bengal, the Trinamool Congress, remains completely indifferent in this crisis. They have no effective measures and are rather avoiding the issue. This indifference has created deep dissatisfaction among the Hindus of Bengal.

Amid the division and hypocrisy created by the CAA and NRC, there is no soccour for those who remain trapped at the border. Yet, the CPI(M)’s cautious stance and past effective role in refugee rehabilitation appear as a bold and just position in this crisis. But, with no representation in the Bengal Assembly and Lok Sabha, there is little possibility of them doing anything officially.

At present, the dichotomy between the promises made by the Bengal BJP leaders regarding asylum for the Bangladeshi Hindus and the actual on ground reality is clear to everyone. Perhaps, the Bengal BJP leaders are making such statements to attract Hindu votes in Bengal. Therefore, from Rise of Voices, the request to every political party is to not exploit the crisis of these Bangladeshi Hindu minorities for their political gains. The reality is the inhumane conditions at the border and the hypocrisy of the CAA and NRC.

In summary, it is crucial to take effective steps to improve the situation of Bangladeshi Hindu minorities, which should be seen not just as a political promise but also from a humanitarian perspective.

Sincerely,
Rise of Voices