Why are anti-Hindu and anti-India sentiments rising in Bangladesh?: Tensions have escalated in Bangladesh following the lynching of a Hindu man. ABP News spoke to foreign affairs expert Sanjeev Srivastava about the incident. During the interview, Srivastava shared his views. He was asked about the recurring reports of similar incidents from Bangladesh over the past few months.
He stated that this atmosphere doesn't seem to be the result of a single event, but rather appears to stem from an ideological and political foundation that has been developing for a long time.
Sanjeev Srivastava said that religious identity is being used as a political weapon in the country to divide society and alter the power dynamics. Anti-India sentiment has been made a crucial part of this strategy, as it makes it easier to create an emotional issue.
Increasing activities of extremist organizations:
Many extremist Islamic organizations already present in Bangladesh are now becoming more openly active. Their goal is not only to increase religious influence but also to gain political power. Targeting the Hindu community as a vulnerable group and portraying India as an "external enemy" is part of this strategy. This narrative creates fear and anger among the general public, making it easier for extremist ideologies to gain support.
Political Changes After August 5, 2024:
Foreign affairs experts said, "Following the removal of the Sheikh Hasina government from power on August 5, 2024, Bangladesh's politics took a sudden turn. The ban on the Awami League, the harsh action against its leaders, and the unilateral shift in the balance of power indicated that this was not just a change of government, but the beginning of a major political restructuring. During this period, instability within the country increased, and extremist voices gained greater prominence."
Serious questions are being raised about the interim government:
The interim government was formed with the stated purpose of maintaining law and order and conducting fair elections, but the reality appears quite different. The government has made decisions directly related to foreign policy and ideological direction. The sudden warming of relations with Pakistan, the easing of restrictions on extremist organizations, and the neglect of religious politics have raised questions about the government's impartiality.
Are Pakistan and external forces also playing a role?
Experts believe that anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh is not solely a result of domestic politics. Pakistan's deep-state structure and its intelligence agency have long been trying to challenge India's influence in the region. Furthermore, creating instability in South Asia could be strategically beneficial for some global powers. Bangladesh appears to be emerging as a new battleground in this geopolitical game.
New political forces and the politics of anti-India sentiment:
Some newly emerged political parties are openly targeting India. These organizations are attempting to assert their nationalist credentials by making statements against India, while their true purpose is to garner domestic support. Anti-India sentiment has become an issue that can be exploited to gain political recognition even without concrete policies.
Who is most at risk?
This entire incident has had the most severe impact on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Attacks on temples, vandalism of homes, and a persistent atmosphere of fear demonstrate that when the government is weak and extremists are given free rein, minorities are the first to be targeted. If this trend continues, it will not only threaten Bangladesh's social fabric but also impact the stability of the entire region.
The Tragic Death of Dipu Chandra Das:
On December 18, in Bangladesh, 25-year-old Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker, was beaten to death and his body set on fire by a mob in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, on charges of blasphemy. According to police, Das was first beaten by a mob outside the factory and then hanged from a tree. The mob left his body near the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway and later set it on fire. A protester said, "A Hindu man was brutally attacked and killed. We appeal to our government to take strict action against those responsible for this murder."
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