Synopsis
A Supreme Court PIL has been filed urging the Ministry of External Affairs to act against the ongoing violence and persecution faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, citing alarming reports of atrocities and the need for protection and support.Key Takeaways
- PIL filed in Supreme Court to protect Hindus in Bangladesh
- Request for remedial measures to stop violence
- Extension of cut-off dates under The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019
- Reports of state-sponsored attacks on minorities
- Government of India acknowledges incidents of violence
New Delhi, Feb 23 (NationPress) A public interest litigation (PIL) has been presented to the Supreme Court requesting that the Ministry of External Affairs implement measures to halt atrocities, violence, and state-sponsored genocide/persecutions against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.
According to the case list posted on the apex court's website, a bench led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan, is set to hear the PIL on February 24 (Monday).
The petition also seeks an extension of cut-off dates under The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 for Bangladeshi Hindus who have fled to India due to recent violence, atrocities, and state-sponsored political repression.
The plea states that in July and August of the previous year, Bangladesh experienced the collapse of a democratically elected government, with administrative control being taken over by factions supported by radical Islamist groups that openly promote the persecution and expulsion of Hindus and other minorities.
“Since gaining control, there have been state-sponsored assaults on individuals, properties, and establishments belonging to Hindu minorities. Numerous horrifying videos circulating on social media depict the unjust killings of students and other individuals from minority communities, the destruction of temples, and unlawful arrests,” asserted the PIL, filed by advocate Manohar Pratap.
Additionally, it referenced a statement from the Minister of State in External Affairs, acknowledging that the Union government is “aware of attacks on Hindus” in Bangladesh.
In a Lok Sabha session, Union Minister Kirti Vardhan, in a written response dated February 7, disclosed that in the preceding two months (from November 26, 2024, to January 25, 2025), there have been 76 reported incidents of attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh, with reports indicating the deaths of 23 Hindus and 152 attacks on Hindu temples since August.
“The Government of India has recognized the violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh and has expressed its concerns to the Government of Bangladesh. India’s expectations for the protection of Hindus and other minorities were reiterated during the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Bangladesh on December 09, 2024. The High Commission of India in Dhaka continues to closely monitor the situation concerning minorities,” the minister stated.
