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The recent surge in violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh has ignited a diplomatic crisis between India and Bangladesh. Former Indian officials and human rights advocates have leveled serious accusations, drawing parallels between the current situation and past genocides. This escalating tension casts a long shadow over the upcoming high-level diplomatic talks scheduled between the two nations. The core of the conflict centers on the alleged persecution of Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh, a situation described by some as a 'genocide'. The timing of these accusations, just days before the crucial foreign secretary-level talks, underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for further strain on already delicate relations.
Former National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Rajiv Jain, speaking alongside former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri, characterized the violence as a systematic attempt to eliminate minority populations. Their press conference, held in Delhi, painted a bleak picture of the situation in Bangladesh. Sikri, in particularly strong terms, accused the current interim government of tacitly supporting the violence, claiming that it mirrors the tactics used in past instances of religious persecution in other regions. The allegation of employing a ‘Pakistan playbook’ to decimate minority populations has significantly heightened tensions and brought the issue to the forefront of international attention.
The Delhi Civil Society, a coalition of over 200 organizations, has organized a march to the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi to protest the ongoing violence. The group's planned demonstration on Human Rights Day underscores the international concern over the situation. The memorandum they intend to submit will demand immediate international intervention to halt the violence and protect minority rights in Bangladesh. The specifics of the violence include numerous attacks on Hindu communities across 50 districts, resulting in over 200 incidents since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. These attacks, along with the arrest and ongoing legal battles faced by Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, have further fueled the conflict and prompted strong reactions from India.
The arrest of Das on sedition charges and the subsequent denial of bail, despite protests in India, highlights the challenges faced by minority groups in accessing justice within the Bangladeshi legal system. This case serves as a stark example of the broader issues raised by the Delhi Civil Society. The diplomatic fallout is significant, extending beyond mere statements and condemnations. Bangladesh's summoning of its acting deputy high commissioner in Kolkata for consultations, and the suspension of visa and consular services at the Agartala assistant high commission following protests, demonstrates the escalating nature of the conflict. The incidents have led to tense exchanges and diplomatic protests between the two nations.
Despite the heightened tensions, both countries have affirmed their commitment to proceeding with the scheduled foreign secretary-level talks. This commitment suggests a desire to maintain diplomatic channels, even in the face of significant challenges. However, the overarching narrative is undeniably one of deep concern and mistrust. The contrasting statements—strong condemnations from India and assurances of a desire for good relations from Bangladesh—highlight the complex dynamics at play and the difficult path ahead in resolving this crisis. The success of the upcoming talks will depend heavily on both sides' willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and address the underlying causes of the violence against minorities in Bangladesh.
Source: ‘Out of Pakistan playbook’: Ahead of Misri’s Dhaka visit, rights forum calls out Bangladesh attacks