Bengaluru: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), during its Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting, raised concerns about the growing violence and persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. RSS Sah Sarkaryavah Arun Kumar addressed the media about the resolution passed by the ABPS, accompanied by Sunil Ambekar, the All India Publicity chief. Also present on the stage were Karnataka North and South Propaganda chief Arun Kumar, Regional Propaganda chief Ayush Nadimpalli, All India Co-Propaganda chiefs Pradeep Joshi and Narendra Kumar.
During the meeting, Arun Kumar spoke about the expansion and strengthening of RSS over the past 100 years. He highlighted that the organization, which started with a single unit, now operates nationwide with the goal of becoming “all-inclusive and all-pervasive”—reaching every section of society. Kumar said that RSS is now active in 134 premier institutions across the country and aims to expand its presence in all institutions in the coming years.
He also pointed out that RSS works in remote and tribal areas, citing examples of Koraput and Bolangir in Odisha, where 1,031 branches operate with local volunteers. The organization frequently holds thousands of meetings with well-wishers from various social sectors to promote harmony and unity.
As part of its outreach efforts, RSS volunteers contacted around 1.5 lakh men and women from different social sectors last year to discuss various issues. On the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilya Devi Holkar, the organization held 22,000 programs and conferences to highlight her contributions, which saw participation from people of all social groups.
To promote women’s participation and contribution, RSS organized 472 women-centric one-day conferences, attended by 5.75 lakh women.
RSS has been actively working to help marginalized communities. Arun Kumar shared the example of Jhabua district in Madhya Pradesh, where disabled children were living in neglect. RSS volunteers identified them, arranged medical assistance, and helped them lead dignified lives by providing livelihood opportunities.
The ABPS passed a resolution expressing solidarity with Bangladesh’s Hindus, condemning the violence, persecution, and forced conversions by radical Islamic groups.
The resolution highlighted that systematic attacks on temples, religious institutions, and properties, along with forced conversions and murders, have created an existential crisis for Bangladesh’s Hindu community.
Arun Kumar revealed that the Hindu population in Bangladesh has drastically fallen from 22% in 1951 to just 7.95% today, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
He condemned the desecration of temples, looting of properties, and the apathy of Bangladeshi authorities, which has emboldened the attackers.
The RSS also warned that rising anti-India rhetoric in Bangladesh could harm the historic ties between the two countries. The ABPS called attention to foreign interference, including from Pakistan and deep-state actors, attempting to destabilize the region by fueling communal tensions.
Despite severe persecution, Arun Kumar praised Bangladesh’s Hindu community for its peaceful and democratic resistance. He said the community has received moral and psychological support from Hindus in India and globally.
The Indian government, he added, is working through diplomatic channels and raising the issue at international forums.
The ABPS resolution urged international organizations, including the United Nations, to take immediate action. It called for global pressure on Bangladesh to protect its Hindu and other minority populations.
RSS reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and religious freedom of Hindus in Bangladesh and urged for swift intervention to address the crisis.
When asked about language disputes in border areas, Arun Kumar emphasized that all languages are equal and should not be used to create division. He stressed that India is one nation with diverse cultures, and language, region, or food should never be used as tools of division. Instead, they should promote unity.
