By 
04-12-2024
Fanni Lovas
South East Asia Researcher
Global Human Rights Defence
On November 30th, 2024, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) issued a formal appeal to Bangladesh’s interim government, urging immediate action to address the escalating violence against religious minorities, particularly Hindus. The call comes in response to a series of violent attacks against minority communities, highlighting concerns over their safety and growing persecution in recent months.
Hindus, who make up around 8 percent of Bangladesh’s population, have been subjected to violent attacks across multiple districts, with reports of over 200 incidents of violence since August 2024. These attacks are seen by human rights organisations as part of broader concerns about the marginalisation and insecurity faced by religious minorities, especially during periods of political instability.
The RSS called for the release of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on sedition charges. The RSS voiced concerns over his treatment, including reports that he had denied legal representation, and emphasised the need for fair legal proceedings. A delegation of monks from the RSS submitted a memorandum to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata on November 27th, urging the Bangladesh government to take immediate action to stop the violence and protect minority communities. In addition to this, the delegation proposed that India consider providing refuge to those fleeing persecution as a measure of support for vulnerable individuals.
The RSS has called on both India and international human rights organisations to advocate for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh and raise awareness of the systemic issues affecting them. This appeal underscores the need for a coordinated international response to address the ongoing violence and systemic challenges faced by religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh.
Sources and further reading:
(2024, November 30). Stop atrocities on Hindus immediately, release ISKCON monk from jail: RSS to Bangladesh interim govt. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/stop-atrocities-on-hindus-immediately-release-iskcon-monk-from-jail-rss-to-bangladesh-interim-govt/article68930655.ece. Accessed 4 December 2024.
(2024, December 4). ‘Stop atrocities on Hindus’: Monks submit memorandum to Bangladesh mission, urge PM Modi to take legal steps. Newsable Asianet News. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/stop-atrocities-on-hindus-monks-submit-memorandum-to-bangladesh-mission-urge-pm-modi-to-take-legal-steps/ar-AA1vfRem?ocid=BingNewsSerp. Accessed 4 December 2024.
PTI. (2024, 30 November). RSS urges Bangladesh to halt atrocities on Hindus, release ISKCON Monk. The Tribune. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/rss-urges-bangladesh-to-halt-atrocities-on-hindus-release-iskcon-monk/. Accessed 4 December 2024.
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