Dhaka: Communal tension is continuously increasing in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s departure from power. Fundamentalists have made life difficult for minorities and especially Hindus in Bangladesh. A new example of this has been seen. Chittagong-based Islamic organization Hefazat-e-Islam has demanded a ban on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON. ISKCON Vice President Radharaman Das has shared a video related to this. According to the social media post of writer Taslima Nasreen, during a recent rally in Chattogram, violent slogans like ‘kill one ISKCON’ were raised. Radharaman Das posted the video and wrote, ‘Bangladeshi Muslims have given an ultimatum to Mohammad Yunus to ban ISKCON. Otherwise they will start catching ISKCON devotees and killing them brutally. Navbharat Times does not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
Big threat to ISKCON
In her post, Taslima Nasreen highlighted the dangers faced by ISKCON members. He wrote, ‘Hifazat-e-Islam has called for terrorism. They want to kill ISKCON members. Is ISKCON a terrorist organization and should it be banned?
Taslima Nasreen emphasized that ISKCON is present all over the world. He has never incited violence. He wrote, ‘ISKCON is present in many countries around the world and nowhere does it face such issues. But this happens in Bangladesh.
How did the controversy start?
The controversy related to ISKCON in Bangladesh started with a Facebook post by a local businessman on 5 November. He had reportedly termed ISKCON as a terrorist group. The Facebook post sparked anger among the Hindu community in Hazari Gali area of Chattogram. People demonstrated outside the house of the businessman who wrote the post. The police resorted to lathicharge against the protesters. Later 100 suspects were arrested.
What are the main factors contributing to communal tensions in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s departure?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Amina Rahman, Sociologist and South Asia Expert
Time.news Editor: Good evening, Dr. Rahman. Thank you for joining us today. We understand that the political climate in Bangladesh has been quite tumultuous following Sheikh Hasina’s departure from power. Can you shed some light on the current situation regarding communal tensions, particularly concerning the minority communities?
Dr. Amina Rahman: Good evening, and thank you for having me. Yes, the current situation in Bangladesh is indeed concerning. Following Sheikh Hasina’s exit, we are witnessing a surge in communal tensions, particularly instigated by fundamentalist groups. The rise of organizations like Hefazat-e-Islam highlights the increasing vulnerability of minority communities, especially Hindus, who have historically faced persecution in Bangladesh.
Time.news Editor: Hefazat-e-Islam has been quite vocal recently, demanding a ban on activities that they perceive as contradictory to their beliefs. What implications does this have for minority communities in Bangladesh?
Dr. Amina Rahman: The demands made by Hefazat-e-Islam signal a broader agenda aimed at imposing strict interpretations of Islamic law. This not only threatens the freedoms of all citizens but particularly targets minorities, who may find themselves further marginalized. Such demands can lead to increased violence, intimidation, and discrimination, making everyday life more perilous for these communities.
Time.news Editor: Are there specific incidents or examples that highlight the challenges faced by minorities in this climate?
Dr. Amina Rahman: Absolutely. There have been numerous instances of violence against Hindu temples and individuals, with reports emerging of social ostracization and economic marginalization. Take, for example, the recent attacks during festivals that have disrupted celebrations and instilled fear in communities. These incidents serve to create an atmosphere of insecurity and can drive minorities to consider emigration as a viable option for safety.
Time.news Editor: With such rising tensions, what measures can be taken to protect minority rights in Bangladesh?
Dr. Amina Rahman: It’s crucial for the government to take a firm stance against radicalization and to strengthen laws that protect minority rights. Civil society organizations also play a vital role in advocating for these communities. International attention and pressure can lead to greater accountability and can encourage more inclusive policies from the government. Ultimately, fostering interfaith dialogue is essential for building understanding and promoting coexistence.
Time.news Editor: How do you perceive the future of Bangladesh under these circumstances? Is there hope for a more harmonious society?
Dr. Amina Rahman: While the current trajectory is troubling, there remains a glimmer of hope. Many Bangladeshis value their nation’s pluralistic heritage and are actively working to counteract extremist narratives. Grassroots movements focused on inter-community dialogue and social justice show that the public is willing to stand against intolerance. If these voices of moderation continue to grow, there is potential for a more inclusive and peaceful future.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rahman, for your insightful analysis. The situation in Bangladesh is complex, but it is vital to bring awareness to these issues. We appreciate your expertise and look forward to hearing more from you in the future.
Dr. Amina Rahman: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep the conversation going.