Amid rising reports of violence against Hindus, a notification from the President's office in Bangladesh has heightened concerns about the safety of Hindus in the country. The notification has requested personal information from senior Hindu officials in Bangladesh's ministries and departments, which has alarmed experts who claim the government is discriminating against officials based on race.
On August 29, the President's office in Bangladesh issued a notification requesting personal information from senior Hindu officials. Various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, have also issued similar notifications. The revelation has sparked fear among Hindu officials.
Government Clarification on Notification
However, in a conversation with India Today, Retired Brigadier General Shekhawat Husain, textile and jute advisor to Bangladesh's interim government led by Mohammad Yunus, assured there is no need for Hindu officials to worry.
He stated that the notification is part of routine procedures, issued by the Bangabhaban (Presidential Palace) to invite Hindu officials to the Durga Puja celebrations organized by President Mohammad Shahabuddin every year. He explained that the personal information is needed to compile a list for event invitations.
Bangladesh observes Krishna Janmashtami and Vijayadashami as national holidays.
Experts Concerned About Compiling List of Hindu Officials
Despite the clarification from Bangladesh, experts remain worried. Suhas Chakma, Director of the Delhi-based Rights and Risk Analysis Group (RRAG), believes that given the recent violence against minority groups following the Sheikh Hasina government’s overthrow, it's hard to believe that the list of Hindu officials is only for festival purposes.
Talking to The Hindu, Suhas Chakma said, 'The President’s request for a list solely of Hindu officials is nothing but racial discrimination, aimed at targeting minorities based on religion.'
Chakma noted that the notification should be seen in light of the forced resignations of Hindu academics in Bangladesh.
Forced Resignations of Hindu Professors in Bangladesh
Since August 5, over 50 Hindu academics in Bangladesh have been forced to resign.
Students from various universities who were part of the student movement against Sheikh Hasina have pressured Hindu professors to resign. Those who were too afraid to come to campus were harassed even at their homes.
In this context, Suhas Chakma stated that the fear surrounding the notification is justified, and senior Hindu officials could be targeted and silenced.
Chakma emphasized, 'This is racial discrimination and a violation of the United Nations' human rights laws concerning minority rights. The United Nations should intervene.'
