New Delhi (IANS): Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari, the General Secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh, voiced fears on Tuesday about the targeted attacks on Hindus and appealed to the Indian government to intervene on their behalf amid the instability and disturbances that have been occurring in Dhaka and other parts of the neighbouring country.
The recent political turmoil in Bangladesh, marked by the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has led to a surge in violence against the Hindu minority community.
“The situation was bad yesterday… we were afraid that temples and Hindus in Bangladesh will be attacked anytime,” Brahmachari stated in an exclusive interview with IANS.
He also highlighted the recurring pattern of minorities being targeted whenever the government falls.
“Hindus are very afraid that they will be attacked anytime. This is because whenever the government falls, minorities are affected. This happens every time,” he told IANS.
In addition, Brahmachari described instances in which Hindu homes and temples were “burned down” and families were “attacked” after Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister on Monday.
Appealing to the Indian government, he said, “Since India and Bangladesh share good relations, the Indian government can do something for the Hindu minorities here. We request them to please help us.”
In response to a question about whether he intended to flee to India, Brahmachari reaffirmed his loyalty to Bangladesh but conceded that many Hindus might leave if things got worse.
If the situation does not improve, the General Secretary warned that many Hindus might be forced to leave the country, seeking refuge in India or other nations.
On the Bangladesh Army chief’s announcement to form an interim government soon, he said, “Yes, the Army said this, but we never know what they will do… we are still worried as to how long the Hindu minorities can be safe in this country. If the violent situation is brought under control, we will stay. But if not, people will have to leave.”
“This is because many Hindu MLAs, businessmen, and their houses were attacked. If this continues, Hindus will not stay here,” he added.
Brahmachari also highlighted the vulnerability of monks and devotees, who fear attacks while in temples or wearing saffron clothing in public.
“I am safe here for now but I don’t know for how long… we have about 150 devotees in this temple but we don’t know for how long we can be safe,” he said.
Brahmachari also described the current situation as “relatively calm” compared to the violence witnessed on Monday when Hindus and their temples were targeted.
“Now the situation is okay. No slogans were raised today. I live in Chattogram, the second-biggest city in Bangladesh, and this is the largest ISKCON temple in the country. But we still don’t know for how long we will be safe,” he added.
He concluded with an appeal to the Indian government, saying, “I hope and pray to Lord Krishna… I am hopeful that the Indian government will save the Bangladeshi Hindus.”
