Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th September. Bangladesh, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a tumultuous history, is once again embroiled in unrest. The demand for a separate Hindu state, called ‘Hindudesh’, has been gaining momentum, adding another layer of complexity to the country’s already volatile political landscape. The Banga Sena, or Bengal Army, a radical Hindu nationalist group, has called for six districts—Khulna, Faridpur, Jessore, Kushtia, Barisal, and Patuakhali—to be ceded from Bangladesh to form a new nation for the Hindu minority. This demand follows a series of violent incidents against the Hindu community, which has fueled the feeling of insecurity among its members.
While Bangladesh has long grappled with the issue of minority rights, this new development threatens to further destabilize the nation. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent departure from the country, following protests led by students, has exacerbated the crisis, with some accusing her government of failing to protect minorities. However, the interim government’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, has downplayed the severity of the attacks, insisting that the violence is politically motivated rather than rooted in religious animosity. Nevertheless, the growing calls for a Hindu homeland cannot be ignored, as they highlight the deep-seated grievances and fears of a marginalized community.
Historical Context of Hindu Presence in Bangladesh
To fully understand the gravity of the current situation, one must look back at the historical presence of Hindus in what is now Bangladesh. Before the partition of Bharat in 1947, Hindus constituted around 30% of the population in the region, which was then part of British Bharat. When the subcontinent was divided, the eastern part of Bengal became East Pakistan, a Muslim-majority area under the newly-formed Pakistan. This partition led to mass displacement, with many Hindus fleeing to Bharat due to communal violence. By the time Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, the Hindu population had already dwindled to 13.5%.
Over the years, the Hindu population has continued to decline, and today, they make up only about 7.95% of the population, according to the latest census. This demographic shift is largely attributed to migration, forced conversions, and episodes of violence. Hindus have often been targeted in the political and religious strife that has plagued Bangladesh, leaving them feeling vulnerable and marginalized. The atrocities against Hindus have spurred ongoing debates about their place in the country and the state’s ability to protect them.
The Rise of the Banga Sena and the Call for Hindudesh
The Banga Sena, also known as the Bengal Army, is a fringe nationalist group that advocates for the creation of a separate Hindu nation within the borders of Bangladesh. Their demand for Hindudesh has gained traction following a series of attacks on the Hindu community. The group claims that the Bangladeshi state has failed to protect Hindus from violence and persecution, and they argue that a separate nation is the only way to ensure their security and dignity.
The districts that the Banga Sena seeks—Khulna, Faridpur, Jessore, Kushtia, Barisal, and Patuakhali—are home to a significant number of Hindus, although they are not Hindu-majority areas. The group’s demand is therefore seen as unrealistic by many, not only because of the demographic realities but also because it would require a major redrawing of Bangladesh’s borders, something that is unlikely to happen without significant conflict.
Political Tensions and the Response of the Government
The political situation in Bangladesh has been tense in recent months. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has ruled the country for over a decade, faced massive protests, primarily led by students who were angered by economic issues, corruption, and authoritarian governance. Amidst these protests, Hasina temporarily left the country, a move that has further destabilized the political climate.
In the wake of her departure, several incidents of violence against Hindus were reported. Homes and businesses belonging to the Hindu community were looted and burned, deepening fears that they are being specifically targeted. However, Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to the interim government, has dismissed these concerns, stating that the violence is being “exaggerated” and attributing it to political, rather than communal, motives. Yunus’s comments have sparked controversy, with many accusing the government of downplaying the plight of the Hindu minority.
The Role of Religion in Bangladesh’s Political Landscape
Religion has always played a significant role in Bangladesh’s political and social fabric. Although the country was founded as a secular state, successive governments have increasingly leaned towards Islamic nationalism. The rise of Islamist parties and the adoption of Islamic laws in some areas have further marginalized non-Muslim communities, particularly Hindus.
Over the years, there have been numerous reports of forced conversions, land grabs, and violence against Hindus. While some governments, including that of Sheikh Hasina, have made efforts to protect minority rights, these efforts have often been overshadowed by broader political concerns and the fear of backlash from Islamist groups. The ongoing violence and the demand for Hindudesh underscore the failure of the state to address these deep-rooted issues.
The Impact of Communal Violence on Bangladesh’s Global Image
The rise in communal violence and the demand for a separate Hindu nation have significant implications for Bangladesh’s global image. As a country that has prided itself on its progress and development in recent years, particularly in terms of economic growth and poverty reduction, Bangladesh now faces the risk of being seen as a nation where minorities are not safe.
International human rights organizations have often criticized Bangladesh for its treatment of religious minorities, and the current situation could lead to further scrutiny. Countries with large Hindu populations, particularly Bharat, are also closely watching the developments. Any escalation of violence could strain Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations with its neighbors and affect its standing in international forums.
Concluison: Addressing the Root Causes of the Crisis
The demand for Hindudesh is a symptom of a much larger problem in Bangladesh. While the idea of a separate nation for Hindus may seem far-fetched to many, it reflects the deep-seated fears and grievances of a community that feels increasingly marginalized and unsafe. The attacks on Hindus are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of communal violence that has plagued the country for decades.
To address this crisis, the Bangladeshi government must take immediate and concrete steps to protect its Hindu citizens. This includes holding perpetrators of violence accountable, ensuring that Hindus have equal access to justice, and promoting policies that foster social cohesion rather than division. The government must also work to rebuild trust with the Hindu community, which has been eroded by years of neglect and discrimination.
At the same time, the international community has a role to play in encouraging Bangladesh to uphold its commitments to human rights and religious freedom. Diplomatic pressure, combined with support for grassroots efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and reconciliation, could help to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence.
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