India must take decisive action to safeguard the persecuted and assert its role as a defender of minority rights, cultural identity and regional stability
The escalating persecution of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh cloaked under the guise of political shifts and regime change, underscores an alarming resurgence of communal violence. With reports of systematic targeting and atrocities emerging over months, the role of the current regime, reportedly influenced by Jamaat-e-Islami, demands scrutiny. India, as the world’s largest Hindu-majority nation and a protector of minority rights, cannot afford to stand as a passive observer.
Instead, it must respond with decisive and proactive measures to safeguard not only the Hindu minority in Bangladesh but also its own cultural and historical ethos. Reports of widespread violence against Hindus in Bangladesh reveal a pattern of calculated aggression. From desecration of temples and destruction of property to orchestrated violence, these acts are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, systematic campaign. The roots of this antagonism can be traced back to the Great Bengal Partition of 1905 when radical elements sought to establish an Islamic dominion in the region.
Although temporarily disrupted by Bangladesh’s liberation in 1971, the vision of Darul-ul-Islam—a dominion governed by Islamic law—has been rekindled.
Under the current regime, these historical grievances have been weaponised to erode Hindu culture and population. What makes the situation more alarming is the reported nexus between the Bangladeshi government, Pakistan’s ISI, radical jihadi groups, and influential ideologues like Jamaat-e-Islami. These forces seem united in their goal of reshaping Bangladesh’s demographic and cultural landscape to align with extremist ideologies.
Mohammad Yunus and the Shadow of Global Influence
Central to this crisis is the controversial figure of Mohammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate who reportedly plays a significant role in the regime’s ideological alignment. While his global reputation as a microfinance pioneer lends him an aura of credibility, his alleged affiliations with anti-Hindu policies and his ties with external powers, including China and certain factions in the United States, raise concerns.
These alignments have not only emboldened the regime but have also enabled it to criticise India under the pretext of democracy and human rights violations. This geopolitical manipulation, leveraging both soft power and hard alliances, directly challenges India’s sovereignty and its role as a regional stabiliser. India must counter these narratives with truth and assert its position as a defender of minority rights. The current crisis mirrors the challenges faced by India in 1971.
The liberation of Bangladesh under Indira Gandhi was driven by humanitarian and strategic imperatives—protecting millions of refugees and dismantling a regime that perpetuated genocide. Today, the targeting of Hindus in Bangladesh represents a similar humanitarian catastrophe and a strategic threat. India, home to the largest Hindu population in the world, bears a unique responsibility to safeguard its diaspora and kin. The Narendra Modi government has a historic opportunity to emulate the bold decisions of 1971, reaffirming India’s role as a protector of justice and a regional powerhouse.
A Strategic Path Forward
India’s response to the crisis must be multifaceted, encompassing aggression, diplomacy, and strategic recalibration.
India’s security apparatus must transcend reactive measures. By identifying and dismantling rogue elements within Bangladesh that orchestrate attacks on minorities, India can send a strong message. Targeted strikes, similar to Israel’s precision operations, could serve as a deterrent and emphasise India’s commitment to protecting its Hindu diaspora. Bangladesh’s economic reliance on India provides a powerful tool. By imposing strategic trade sanctions and mobilising international opinion, India can isolate the current regime, pressuring it to reconsider its policies.
Efforts must also focus on highlighting the human rights abuses faced by minorities in Bangladesh, garnering global support for the cause. Long-term stability in Bangladesh hinges on a government that respects minority rights and values democratic principles. India must support the emergence of a favourable and inclusive regime that can counter extremist ideologies. This approach, while controversial, aligns with India’s strategic and humanitarian interests.
A bolder proposition involves addressing the demographic realities of 1971 when Hindus comprised around 21 per cent of Bangladesh’s population. Securing territories proportional to this demographic could provide a haven for minorities while addressing historical injustices. Such a solution would echo the decisive territorial realignments of 1947 and 1971, albeit adapted to contemporary challenges.
The Hindu community worldwide must unite against these atrocities. India, with its population of over one billion Hindus, should lead by example, adopting a robust stance to counter persecution. Strengthened solidarity, coupled with decisive government action, can set a precedent for minority protection globally.
Rebuilding Regional Stability
The crisis also necessitates a reevaluation of India’s relationship with Bangladesh. Despite India’s pivotal role in Bangladesh’s liberation, successive regimes have displayed hostility and indifference. This lack of gratitude underscores the need for a recalibration of India’s foreign policy toward its neighbour. Through a combination of economic, social, diplomatic, and military strategies, India must assert its dominance in the region.
The message should be unequivocal: any violence against Hindus or hostile actions will be met with resolute action. Israel’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty and people offers valuable lessons for India. Despite being a small nation, Israel has consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of decisive measures in safeguarding its citizens. India, with its vast resources and geopolitical influence, must adopt similar strategies to protect its minorities and assert its regional leadership.
A Turning Point for India
The Bangladesh crisis represents more than a regional issue; it is a defining moment for India’s foreign policy and its identity as a nation. By taking bold and proactive measures, the Narendra Modi government can reaffirm India’s role as a defender of justice and humanity.
Protecting Hindus in Bangladesh is not just about addressing a humanitarian crisis—it is about asserting India’s sovereignty, preserving its cultural identity, and ensuring regional stability. Instead of hoping for UNHRC intervention, the Indian government must rise to the occasion, transforming the crisis into an opportunity to redefine India’s role in South Asia. With decisive action, India can prevent history from repeating itself, ensuring that justice prevails and that the legacy of protecting minorities endures.
(The writer is prominent columnist and Public Policy Expert; the views expressed are personal)
