New Delhi: The Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha on Wednesday criticised the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and has called for a boycott of Bangladeshi Muslims visiting India, particularly in West Bengal. The organisation made this appeal on Wednesday, demanding an official apology from Bangladesh for the alleged desecration of the Indian flag by extremist groups.
State president Chandrachur Goswami urged Indians to deny services such as lodging, medical assistance, and goods to Bangladeshi visitors until their government issues a formal apology. Speaking to reporters, Goswami said, “We appeal to all to refrain from renting rooms, providing hotel accommodation, or selling goods to Bangladeshi Muslims visiting India for medical treatment or other purposes. This stand will continue until the neighbouring country officially apologises.”
‘Boycott does not target all Bangladeshi Muslims’
Goswami clarified that the boycott does not target all Bangladeshi Muslims, emphasising, “We are not saying that all Muslims from Bangladesh are bad or terrorists. However, the desecration of the Indian flag and violence against Hindus are perpetrated by Islamic fundamentalists.”
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Referring to the shared history of India and Bangladesh, Goswami reminded the neighbouring country of its debt to India, saying, “Bangladesh exists today due to the ultimate sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the 1971 Liberation War. The red in Bangladesh’s national flag represents the blood of those soldiers. It is time for Bangladeshi citizens to confront extremist elements and protect the image of Islam and humanity.”
Violence against minorities in Bangladesh
The Hindu community, which constitutes the largest minority in Bangladesh, has faced increasing violence and political instability in recent months. The situation has worsened since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5 amid a student-led movement, leaving minority groups more vulnerable.
The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, further highlights the challenges faced by the minority community. Das was detained at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while en route to Chattogram for a rally. He was denied bail and sent to jail the following day.
