Hema Malini Demands Protection for Hindus and ISKCON Members in Bangladesh

Hema Malini's Plea for Hindus and ISKCON Members

Veteran Indian actress and BJP MP Hema Malini has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of Hindus and ISKCON members in Bangladesh. Talking to PTI she emphasized the urgent need for measures to ensure their protection and prevent the vandalism of temples.

Hema Malini condemned the increasing incidents of violence and vandalism targeting Hindu temples and ISKCON members in Bangladesh. “The behaviour meted out to the Hindus and ISKCON members in Bangladesh is unacceptable. Their safety must be ensured, and no temples should be vandalised,” she stated.

VIDEO | "The behaviour meted out to the Hindus and ISKCON members in Bangladesh, I raised the issue that their safety be ensured there, and no temples are vandalised there," says BJP MP Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema). pic.twitter.com/FEf9PslwBj

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 4, 2024

Government’s Response

The Indian government has also expressed its concern over the situation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has called on the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities, emphasizing the importance of protecting their rights and freedoms.

The issue has garnered international attention, with various human rights organizations condemning the attacks and urging for immediate intervention. The global community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing violence.

The US, and UK condemn attacks on Hindus

Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, emphasized the importance of fundamental freedoms: “We are consistent with every government in which we have a relationship with. We are clear that there needs to be the respect of fundamental freedoms. Governments need to respect the rule of law, they need to respect basic human rights as part of that. That’s something we’ll continue to emphasize”

British Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Sushil Patel condemned the violence: “These senseless acts of violence and the instability in Bangladesh are deeply concerning, and my thoughts are with all of those affected. The targeting of religious places of worship is horrendous, and I know many Hindus will be feeling frightened and fearful, especially given the impact of previous waves of violence”.

Catherine West, the Foreign Office Minister in charge of the Indo-Pacific, stated: “We are aware of the statement of concern from the Indian government following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a well-known Hindu leader, on sedition charges.

“The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) desk is closely monitoring those developments. The UK government will continue to monitor the situation, including making representations from this House, and will engage with the interim government in Bangladesh on the importance of freedom of religion or belief specifically as it affects the Hindu community”

Historical Context

The attacks on Hindu temples and ISKCON members are not isolated incidents. There have been multiple documented cases of arson, looting, and desecration of deities and temples in Bangladesh. These acts of violence have raised serious concerns about the safety of religious minorities in the country.