Bangladesh News and Discussion

[Haresh]

India’s electoral roll revision threatens democracy and Muslims, say critics

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/ ... cy-muslims

How three Uyghur brothers fled China – to spend 12 years in an Indian prison

https://www.theguardian.com/global-deve ... g-genocide

[Haresh]

I have seen a few of the videos of the lynching of Deepu Chand Das, I have to ask the question, why don't the Bangladeshi Hindu's just leave ? Why stay? They are doomed. Just get out. Do they really believe that they have a long term future, that these peacefuls are their brothers ?

[Vayutuvan]

@Haresh ji, where would they go? To India? Are we giving them refugee status and then citizenship?

[Vayutuvan]

I doubt any of the European countries or the US would take them in. These folks do not recognize that Hindus are being oppressed in BD. They do know for sure since they are the created the situation.

[Tanaji]

@Haresh ji, where would they go? To India? Are we giving them refugee status and then citizenship?

Saar, CAA was for this purpose only no?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizensh ... _Act,_2019

[V_Raman]

If we have a Hindu refugee situation - any CAA amendment to make them citizens will pass unanimously - unless the opposition wants to be in that position for the next half a century atleast.

[Vayutuvan]

@Haresh ji, where would they go? To India? Are we giving them refugee status and then citizenship?

Saar, CAA was for this purpose only no?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizensh ... _Act,_2019

I suppose so. Is it the law now or not?

[kancha]

Some thoughts on the current situation in Bangladesh, especially in the aftermath of the killing of Hadi

Twitter Link
Blog Link

Here's a short summary :

The loss of East Pakistan was primarily due to the incompatibility of Bengali identity of East with the predominantly Punjabi identity of West and the racism that West Pakistani establishment displayed towards their fellow citizens from East Pakistan. However, those differences seem to have been subsumed by the religious identity that supposedly binds the Bangladeshis and the Pakistanis now. One key factor in this was the unbanning and the political rehabilitation of the Jamaat 'e Islami by the govt of General Zia ur Rehman in Bangladesh within six years of the independence of Bangladesh, despite the Jamaat having fought tooth and nail AGAINST the independence of East Pakistan. So much so, that the Jamaat even formed part of the Govt headed by Begum Khaleda Zia in 2001.

The racism of the Pakjabis towards the Bangladeshis has still not died down and continues to raise its head from time to time. However, thus far the Bangladeshis are still under the 'euphoria' of revolution to be able to see that. This, despite the fact that the 'revolution' of August 2024 has well and truly failed to improve the lives of the common people. If anything, then the lives have only become worse due to the plummeting economic performance of the Bangladeshi economy.

Yunus himself is quite likely to be made the sacrificial pawn by the time dust settles. But that still doesn't change the fact that there is an East Pakistan across India's borders all over again, thankfully without nuclear weapons. Once again, in the larger scheme of things, West Pakistan would hardly care what happens to the Bengalis of East Pakistan, so long as the Western Wing is safe and Indian energies and resources are committed across East Pakistan to whatever degree. This only reduces the pressure on West Pakistan. Needless to say, chaos in India's neighbourhood also suits other players including the USA.

However, herein also lies an opportunity.

India has been a fairly passive and benevolent neighbour to Bangladesh thus far. Pushed to a wall, retribution in various forms is definitely to be expected. It is just a matter of 'when' and in 'what form' that needs to be seen.

This chaos would still have erupted, regardless of the killing of Osman Hadi. It does not matter who killed him. If not him, then someone else would have had to die, but the chaos had already been planned and would have erupted nonetheless. What remains to be seen is how it ends and whether it is East Pakistan or West Pakistan that bears the brunt in the next round.

As far as the possible refugee situation goes, in case it comes to that, refugees must be taken care of .. but across the border in East Pakistan, IMO. Pakistan lost its Eastern Wing in 1971 primarily due to the refugee influx into India. This time round too it shouldn't be any different if it comes to that.

JMTs

[A_Gupta]

The issue of alleged atrocities and growing insecurity faced by minority Hindus in Bangladesh was raised inside the Canadian Parliament by Conservative Party MP Melissa Lantsman, drawing international attention to concerns over religious freedom and minority rights in the South Asian nation.

During parliamentary proceedings, Lantsman highlighted reports of attacks, intimidation, and targeted violence against Hindu communities in Bangladesh.

She urged the Canadian government to take note of the situation and press for accountability, protection of minorities, and adherence to democratic and human rights norms.

https://tfipost.com/2025/12/atrocities- ... ament/amp/

[gakakkad]

The issue of alleged atrocities and growing insecurity faced by minority Hindus in Bangladesh was raised inside the Canadian Parliament by Conservative Party MP Melissa Lantsman, drawing international attention to concerns over religious freedom and minority rights in the South Asian nation.

During parliamentary proceedings, Lantsman highlighted reports of attacks, intimidation, and targeted violence against Hindu communities in Bangladesh.

She urged the Canadian government to take note of the situation and press for accountability, protection of minorities, and adherence to democratic and human rights norms.

https://tfipost.com/2025/12/atrocities- ... ament/amp/

In the west the only politicians or influencers I've seen talking about attrocity on Hindus in BD are the Jewish folks . Have yet to see one reel share by an NRI on my fb or insta feed . I've seen several by various Jewish friends and Zionist influencers . Where is ro khanna or nimrat randhawa or or pramila PayPal or shree thanedar ?

Most importantly , where is that motwani jadega aunty ? Still licking the narangi santra ?

[Tanaji]

I suppose so. Is it the law now or not?

It was law when it got passed in 2019 but rules were not notified. This now happened last year

https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-update ... ementation

So all done

[A_Gupta]

Outlook India reports:

US Lawmakers Condemn Mob Killing Of Hindu Man In Bangladesh
Bipartisan outrage in Congress over lynching of Uttam Kumar Barman in Rangpur; lawmakers urge Dhaka to act swiftly and uphold minority rights amid rising violence

https://www.outlookindia.com/amp/story/ ... bangladesh

A group of prominent US lawmakers from both parties strongly condemned the brutal mob lynching of Hindu shopkeeper Uttam Kumar Barman in Rangpur, Bangladesh, on December 13, 2025, calling on the interim government to immediately protect religious minorities and restore the rule of law.

In a joint statement released on December 23, 2025, Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Bangladesh, along with Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN) and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (R-IN), described the killing as “a horrifying act of communal violence” and “a stark reminder of the deteriorating security situation for Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.”

The lawmakers highlighted that Barman, a 45-year-old grocery owner, was beaten to death by a mob over unverified rumours of sharing a blasphemous social media post. They noted that 12 suspects have been arrested so far, but expressed deep concern over the broader pattern of targeted attacks since the political upheaval in August 2024.

“Religious freedom is a universal human right, and no one should live in fear because of their faith,” the statement read. “The interim authorities in Dhaka must hold perpetrators accountable, prevent further violence, and ensure that Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and other minorities can live safely and freely in Bangladesh.”

Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) echoed the sentiment on X, writing: “The targeted killing of Uttam Kumar Barman is unacceptable. The US must stand firmly with Bangladesh’s minorities and press for justice and protection. Silence is complicity.”

[Vayutuvan]

^ Nothing about Dipu... hmm.

[A_Gupta]

European advice:
https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/2dqbuf8jes

Crisis Group report
India must strengthen relations with all sides in Bangladesh
Diplomatic Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 24 Dec 2025, 07: 11

India must strengthen relations with all sides in Bangladesh

For years, India has believed that maintaining constructive relations with Bangladesh depends on the Awami League being in power. Such a stance has had negative consequences for both Bangladesh’s domestic politics and long-term bilateral relations.

If the BNP forms the next government, both sides should seize the opportunity to bring the relationship to a stable footing. However, New Delhi should go a step further and strengthen relations with all actors across Bangladesh’s political landscape.

The Brussels-based non-profit research organisation International Crisis Group (ICG) made this observation in its analytical report on Bangladesh–India relations. The 53-page report, titled After the “Golden Era”: Getting Bangladesh-India Ties Back on Track” was published on the ICG website on Tuesday.


Highlighting the historical dimensions of Bangladesh–India relations, the report outlines what is new in the current context, why it matters, and what should be done in the future.

ICG said that the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government has led to a deterioration in relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.

However, Bangladesh’s upcoming election has created an opportunity to recalibrate the relationship.

The report noted that Bangladeshi political parties should refrain from using anti-India sentiment as a tool to win votes in elections.

After the election, New Delhi should extend cooperation to the new government, while the new government in Dhaka, in return, should show due consideration for India’s security concerns.


ICG said New Delhi’s support for Sheikh Hasina fanned longstanding anti-India feeling in Bangladesh, contributing to her ouster. Poorer relations could spell violence, further destabilisation of the border and hindered economic development.

So, Bangladeshi political parties should refrain from stoking anti-India sentiment, while New Delhi should avoid further inflaming tensions and undermining potential partners in Bangladesh.

According to the report, much of New Delhi’s anger is directed at Yunus personally. Many in official circles already viewed him with suspicion because of his longstanding links to the West and perceived hostility to India. Accordingly, New Delhi initially rebuffed repeated requests from Dhaka for a meeting between Yunus and Modi. Citing security reasons, India massively scaled back the issuance of visas to Bangladeshis, rising resentment in Bangladesh. New Delhi also suspended cross-border train connections and stepped up security along the border, causing disruption to other transport services, hindering trade and people-to-people ties.

According to the report, there have been divisions in Indian policy circles over how to respond to the end of the Hasina era. Many in the policy establishment would have preferred to normalise ties and engage more closely with the interim government. Citing a former senior Indian diplomat, the IGC report said some top officials close to the Indian government defend their response, arguing that New Delhi needed to show strength.

Professor Yunus’s visit to China by breaking the tradition has also become a source of concern for Delhi. At the same time, the Indian media’s persistent misinformation has widened the distance between the two countries.

The August 2024 ouster of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was a major setback for India, which had been her staunchest ally during her fifteen-year rule. New Delhi’s support had enabled her party, the Awami League, to prevail in three controversial elections. But aligning so closely with an increasingly unpopular ruler amplified anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh and left India poorly positioned when a mass uprising forced Hasina from power. The two countries have since struggled to repair ties, instead swapping rhetorical barbs, imposing trade restrictions and engaging in confrontations along their shared border.

The report said New Delhi is unlikely to normalise relations with Dhaka’s interim government, but Bangladesh’s national elections scheduled for 12 February 2026 offer the chance for a reset.

To make the most of the opportunity, New Delhi should prepare to make goodwill gestures in the election aftermath and step up engagement with a wide range of political stakeholders, including those it disagrees with; for their part, political parties in Bangladesh should avoid anti-India rhetoric during the campaign.

Though India’s support was crucial for securing Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971, and the countries share deep historical and cultural ties, bilateral relations have often been strained by border disputes, security threats, perceived Indian hegemony and communal tensions. Sheikh Hasina’s victory in the December 2008 elections paved the way for what New Delhi has described as shonali adhyay, or a “golden era”, in the relationship.

The two sides demarcated land and maritime borders and accelerated economic integration, including through reductions in tariffs, transshipment agreements and infrastructure development.

Bangladeshis also began visiting India in large numbers for tourism and medical treatment.

But there was a widespread sense in Bangladesh that India was getting favourable political, security and business deals in exchange for propping up Hasina’s autocratic regime. India’s decision to give Hasina refuge after she fled the country in August 2024, despite Bangladesh’s insistence she face justice, only added to the ill feeling.

Since Hasina’s departure, New Delhi and Dhaka have settled into a pattern of recrimination. Both insist they have reached out to mend ties but have been rebuffed; each has accused the other of provocations; at times, the two have engaged in border standoffs and what appears to be tit-for-tat retaliation on trade. The tension has entrenched negative perceptions without benefiting either side.

The report said, still smarting from Hasina’s downfall, India is now unlikely to normalise relations with the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus; policymakers are instead waiting for the outcome of the Bangladeshi elections.

With Hasina’s Awami League barred from contesting the polls, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is considered the front runner. Historically, India and the BNP have had a troubled relationship. But in Bangladesh’s much-changed political landscape, the party is likely the best option for safeguarding New Delhi’s interests.

Domestic politics in both countries could undermine efforts to rebuild ties, however. Fanning anti-India sentiment is a common strategy for Bangladeshi political parties. In India, the Hindu nationalism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including its muscular foreign policy and focus on illegal immigration, could increase Bangladeshi resentment of New Delhi.

Elections in the Indian border states of Assam and West Bengal in March-April 2026 are potential flashpoints, as is the looming expiration of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty.

While most political leaders in both countries appear to recognise that better ties would be beneficial, there is also a risk that they could settle into a pattern of acrimony and distrust. The prospect of state-to-state conflict remains remote, but strained relations could manifest in destabilising ways short of war, including violent protests, communal attacks, border killings and insurgent activity.

Underscoring the risks, anti-India violence erupted in Bangladesh in mid-December following the killing of a student leader whose group criticised India and supported the Awami League ban.

For many years, India has viewed constructive relations with Bangladesh as dependent on the Awami League being in power, to the detriment of both Bangladeshi politics and long-term cross-border ties.

If the BNP indeed forms the next government, both sides should grasp the opportunity to get relations back on to a stable footing.

New Delhi should seek to go further, however, by strengthening ties across the Bangladeshi political spectrum – not only with the post-election administration, but with other parties as well – and further develop people-to-people links and economic connections to help insulate bilateral relations from political shifts.

The report said while India will logically put its own economic and security interests first, it should also ensure that its initiatives are mutually beneficial and consider domestic sensitivities in Bangladesh.

It should begin planning a charm offensive of good-will gestures and new policies that it could present to the incoming government, starting with the reversal of visa restrictions imposed in August 2024.

Bangladeshi political parties, meanwhile, should resist the temptation to use anti-Indian sentiment to win votes in the forthcoming elections.

Such electoral tactics would reinforce the widely held belief in India that the major parties contesting the polls are inimical to its interests, particularly on security – a view informed by historical precedent.

The incoming government should instead reciprocate New Delhi’s overtures, adopt a balanced foreign policy, keep a lid on insurgency and extremism, and do more to curb cross-border smuggling and illegal migration.

Assuaging Indian security concerns will be paramount for putting the relationship on the right track, and making it a source of stability, in the years ahead, the ICG said.

IMO, I think India believed that the safety of non-Muslims in Bangladesh depended on the Awami League remaining in power, and any commentator needs to include that in their analysis.

[A_Gupta]

Five US lawmakers write to Chief Adviser, urge free, fair elections
https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/3ip42oii7p

Five US lawmakers have written to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government, urging that the government work with all political parties to ensure a free and fair national election in February.

The letter was sent on Tuesday to Professor Yunus by members of the US House of Representatives—Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Bill Huizenga and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on South and Central Asia

Emphasis added:

They said, “It is vital that the interim government work with parties across the political spectrum to create the conditions for free and fair elections that allow the voice of the Bangladeshi people to be expressed peacefully through the ballot box, as well as reforms that restore confidence in the integrity and nonpartisanship of state institutions. We are concerned that this cannot happen if the government suspends activities of political parties or again restarts the flawed International Crimes Tribunal.”


The letter further said, “The Department of State and many other international observers noted that the 2018 and 2024 General Elections were not free or fair. And in a February fact-finding report, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights estimated that security services killed 1,400 people during protests in July and August 2024.

Genuine accountability for these acts and others should model the values of Bangladesh’s democracy, rather than continue a cycle of retaliation.

Freedom of association, as well as the principle of individual rather than collective criminal responsibility, are fundamental human rights. We are concerned that the decision to fully suspend the activity of any one political party, rather than focus on persons determined to have committed crimes or gross violations of human rights through the due process of law, is inconsistent with those principles.

We hope your government or an elected successor will revisit this decision. Ultimately, the Bangladeshi people deserve to be able to choose an elected government in a free and fair election in which all political parties can participate so that their voices are represented.

Bangladesh is a critical partner for the United States, and we stand ready to work with you and your government to support both our bilateral relationship and Bangladesh’s democratic transition in the months ahead.”

The Caretaker govt already publicly responded that there is no chance the Awami League will be permitted to participate in the upcoming election.

Added: link to letter:
https://democrats-foreignaffairs.house. ... -elections

[A_Gupta]

NDTV reported:
"Appalled": US Lawmakers Condemn Lynching Of Hindu Man In Bangladesh Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemned the targeted mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, amid rising instability and unrest.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/appalle ... sh-9887580

New York/Washington:
US lawmakers have condemned the targeted mob killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh, calling on authorities to protect religious minorities and restore the rule of law.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi condemned the targeted mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, amid rising instability and unrest.

Krishnamoorthi, an Illinois Democrat, called on Bangladeshi authorities to ensure accountability, protect religious minorities, and restore the rule of law.

"I am appalled by the targeted mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man in Bangladesh—an act of violence amid a period of dangerous instability and unrest,” Krishnamoorthi said in a statement Sunday.

“While authorities have reported arrests, the Government of Bangladesh must aggressively pursue a full and transparent investigation and prosecute all those responsible to the fullest extent of the law. It must also take urgent action to protect Hindu communities and other religious minorities from further violence. For the sake of all Bangladeshis, this unrest must end and the rule of law must be upheld,” he said.

New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar said she is “deeply disturbed" by the ongoing violence against Bangladesh's Hindu minority, exemplified most recently by the brutal lynching of Das.

[Vayutuvan]

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is running for one of the two senators from IL. He needs all the Hindu vote for him to become a senator. I hope he continues to support Hindu/indian causes once he becomes a senator, unlike Dick Durbin.