RSS urges all parties to stand by Bangladesh Hindus, minorities

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 9

The Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, ruling BJP’s ideological mentor, on Friday asked the Centre and Bangladesh establishment to ensure protection of lives, properties and dignity of Hindus, Buddhists and other minorities in Bangladesh even as it appealed to all political parties to stand in solidarity with those being targeted.

In a statement, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, the second in command after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, said, “The RSS expresses serious concern over the incidents of violence against Hindus, Buddhists and other minority communities in Bangladesh during the movement for regime change in the last few days.”

“Target killings, looting, arson and heinous crimes against women belonging to Hindu and other religious minorities and attacks on Hindu temples in Bangladesh are intolerable. The RSS strongly condemns this.”

Hosabale said the Sangh expected the interim Government of Bangladesh to take strict action and immediately stop such incidents.

“Proper arrangements must be made to protect the lives, property, and honour of the victims in Bangladesh,” the RSS said.

It urged the world community and all political parties in India to stand in solidarity with the persecuted communities like Hindus and Buddhists, at this critical time.

“As a friendly neighbour, the Indian Government is trying to play an able role. The RSS urges the government to make every effort to ensure the safety of Hindus, Buddhists, etc. in the neighbouring country,” Hosabale said.

The BJP, meanwhile, attacked Congress leaders over their silence on the persecution of Hindus

in Bangladesh.

Speaking in Lok Sabha, former minister and sitting Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur questioned Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s concern for Gaza and silence on Bangladesh unrest.

“The Congress has made grand statements about Gaza time and again, expressing concerns, but they choose to be silent on the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh. The real question is that what compels Congress and Rahul Gandhi to be so concerned about Gaza and be silent when it comes to the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh?” Anurag Thakur asked.