New Delhi: India and Bangladesh are grappling with heightened tensions stemming from issues surrounding the treatment of religious minorities, particularly Hindus, amid growing unrest. The situation has become particularly pronounced following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, an ISKCON priest, on November 25, which has ignited widespread protests and condemnation.
On December 17, during the Winter Session of Parliament, Manoj Kumar Jha, Member of Parliament from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), highlighted India's moral authority on minority rights, stating, “We could have asked Bangladesh and Pakistan to learn from us, had our own report on minority rights been good. But, that's not the case.” His remarks reflect the growing criticism of India's own record on religious violence, complicity, and advocacy concerning its neighbor's treatment of minorities.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, known for his outspoken support for the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, was detained at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Following accusations of disrespecting the national flag, his detention prompted massive protests across Bangladesh, particularly from Hindu and other minority groups, who demanded greater protection and representation.
The pain felt by the minority communities has echoed through Indian borders, leading to significant diplomatic exchanges. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed deep concern for the impending safety of minorities within Bangladesh. The MEA urged Dhaka to protect the rights of its citizens and allow peaceful protests. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's discussions with Bangladeshi officials underscored India's anxiety for stability and inclusivity.
Suhasini Haidar, the diplomatic editor at The Hindu, pointed out the contradictions inherent to India's stance on minority rights. She noted, “India does not appreciate interference in its internal affairs when people ask about the conditions of minorities, like the Muslims and Sikhs, in India.”
Bangladesh responded to India’s calls for intervention by defending the legality of Das's arrest, claiming it was unrelated to Hindu advocacy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted, “Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das has been arrested on specific charges, and his actions do not relate to his advocacy for the rights of Hindus.” This has caused diplomatic ripples, raising what many view as irreconcilable tensions between the neighboring nations.
Domestic unrest has been substantial, as protests against Bangladesh’s treatment of Hindus have emerged throughout various Indian states. Right-wing organizations rallied across Assam, Tripura, and even Kolkata, demanding attention to attacks faced by Hindus within Bangladesh's borders. These protests reached fever pitch on December 2 when clashes erupted with law enforcement during demonstrations near the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission.
The times are complex, as the political climate within Bangladesh shifts dramatically. The ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has birthed uncertainty about the fate of India-Bangladesh relations. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, faces both internal dissent and growing anti-India sentiments, especially from opposition parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, who often stoke feelings of nationalism against India.
Aliva Mishra, assistant professor at Jamia Millia Islamia, explained how “India has lost a valuable ally,” alluding to the opportunities for closer ties under Hasina’s leadership which facilitated greater trade and cultural exchanges. The potential for deteriorated relations continues to loom with increasing anti-India rhetoric circulating within the interim government.
Simultaneously, economic ramifications are being felt as Delhi's Kashmere Gate auto parts traders halted business with Bangladesh, representing nearly 2,000 shops. Vinay Narang, president of the Automotive Parts Merchants’ Association, stated the decision to pause exports is due to the violence reported against Hindu minorities. He emphasized the potential impact, noting, “Bangladesh is a developing country, and the decision to stop export until January 15 would halt transportation.”
The United States has also entered the conversation, with national security adviser Jake Sullivan recently engaging with Professor Muhammad Yunus. They reaffirmed support for Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations amid calls for protecting all human rights. Sullivan thanked Yunus for being at the helm during these tumultuous times.
Despite these numerous challenges faced by both countries, India remains committed to fostering strong ties with Bangladesh. Indian envoy to Bangladesh Pranay Verma articulated this sentiment after meeting the Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Riaz Hamidullah on December 3, insisting, “No single issue should stand as a barrier for bilateral ties.”
The path forward for India and Bangladesh is precarious, with the future of their relationship hinging on how both nations navigate their internal struggles surrounding minority rights and religious violence. This delicate balancing act is critically observed not just by the states involved but by the international community as well. To maintain moral authority abroad, India must address its own human rights challenges, leading to questions about the sustainability of its advocacy for minorities abroad.
