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India shows no intent to act for Hindus in Bangladesh

  • Allegation by Hindu MP Gayeshwar Chandra Roy of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party

  • Roy claimed that atrocities against Hindus took place even during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, yet India remained silent

Dhaka (Bangladesh) – “During the tenure of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, numerous Hindus were forced out of their homes and subjected to persecution. We possess evidence of this, yet India never intervened. I do not believe India intends to do anything for the so-called minority Hindus of Bangladesh,” alleged Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, a Member of Parliament from Dhaka representing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in an interview with an Indian daily newspaper. Roy had previously also served as a minister during the BNP government.

Key points made by Gayeshwar Chandra Roy in the interview:

1. Hasina harassed not only minorities but people across communities. “I belong to the Hindu community, and you describe me as a minority leader. However, I do not accept that label. The Hasina government persecuted me, filed dozens of cases against me, and imprisoned me. At that time, no one claimed that minorities were under attack. India, too, remained silent.”

2. “If a Hindu leader of the Awami League is attacked for political reasons, you immediately frame it as an assault on minorities. On 23 March 1973, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman attacked the historic Ramna Kali Temple. Even then, India did not raise any objection. In 2001, under the leadership of then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, I supervised the reconstruction of that temple. Anyone can visit and verify this.”

3. Leaders of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League allegedly attacked several temples and encroached upon land owned by Hindus, yet these incidents received little to no attention.

4. “The recent killings of minorities are politically motivated killings. (If a Hindu leader in power in Bangladesh holds such a view, expecting him to safeguard Hindus would be futile! – Editor). No one has been killed solely because of religion. During elections, such incidents occur across South Asian countries. This must be understood so that propaganda about minority persecution can end.”

5. “India supported us in 1971, but it must realise that aligning exclusively with one political party is insufficient. True friendship must exist between nations, peoples, and governments. Our language, culture, and ideology share deep similarities. India assumed that only Hasina represented the Government of Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh were never anti-India; they opposed the Awami League. India consistently favoured the Awami League.”

6. “If India wishes to improve relations with Bangladesh, it must first acknowledge that its past approach was flawed. The Indian High Commissioner never invited me; only after 5 August 2025 were attempts made to improve ties. For 17 years, they neither invited me nor even knew my name. Now that I have assumed power, they seek engagement. India must recognise its error and recalibrate its foreign policy. Strong neighbourly relations are essential. Friendship is not determined by a country’s size; relations must be built on equality.”

7. “Sheikh Hasina should return and face the courts. India should not provide her with long-term refuge. That would be disgraceful. India has sheltered many criminals in Kolkata. They should be sent back to face justice.”

8. “Outlawing any political party is not the solution. Even the Awami League should not be banned. Our party has already stated to that effect. Had the Awami League contested the election, our party’s victory would have been even more decisive.”

9. “I certainly wish to visit India, but I have not been granted a visa. I have acquaintances in Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and several other cities whom I would like to meet.”

Editorial Perspectives

  • Given India’s largely inactive stance so far regarding atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy’s allegation cannot be dismissed outright.
  • Although atrocities against Hindus occurred during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, what concrete steps will Gayeshwar Chandra Roy take to ensure that Hindus are not persecuted now that the anti-Hindu and anti-India BNP is in power?

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