Interim Government of Bangladesh has completed four months but there is nothing constructive happening. Promises of reforms and announcement of elections continue to be promises. Attack on Hindus & temples continue. Proximity with Pakistan for trade is new development and photo of Mujibur Rahman has been removed from currency notes.
American connection of Chief Adviser Md. Yunus has been revealed by one English language channel. The way he was 'planted' within three days of escape of Sheikh Hasina will be shrouded in mystery. Further, his inclination towards China and Pakistan are known.
Detention Of Chinmoy Das
Regarding violence against Hindus, a fresh chapter was added ,when Iskcon monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, was arrested at Chattogram and jailed in a sedition case. It triggered clashes between his supporters and security personnel that led to killing of a lawyer. When his associates were carrying food for him, they were also arrested.
India has, therefore, urged Bangladesh to ensure safety to all citizens including minorities. Bangladesh, however, has wrongly informed an U.N. forum that minorities were not targeted and C.K. Das's arrest was misconstrued.
Attack On Indian Bus
An Indian bus to Kolkata from Agartala via Dhaka was attacked in Brahamanbaria District. A truck hit it, though it was in correct lane. Thereafter, an auto and bus collided. Local Bangladeshis raised anti- India slogans and also threatened Indian passengers. People usually prefer this route as it cuts distance, time and expenditure. Tripura CM warned of action if such incidents against the minorities did not stop.
Attack on Consulate in Agartala
Bangladesh's Consulate in Agartala was vandalised on 2nd December after people protesting against persecution of minorities in Bangladesh barged into Assistant High Commissioner's office, ransacked property and raised alarm among diplomats. However, no one was harmed. Foreign Minister of Bangladesh alleged that protesters were 'allowed' to enter in a preplanned manner and their country's flag was also desecrated.
War of Words & Clarification of MEA
Dhaka responded strongly by urging India to take steps to prevent any further act of violence against Bangladeshi diplomatic missions. Mamta Banerjee, however, has requested for Prime Minister's intervention in escalating situation and to seek deployment of U.N. Peace keeping force in Bangladesh. MEA has indicated that Agartala incident was deeply regrettable. Subsequently, MEA again urged Bangladesh to protect the Hindus in the face of threats and attacks and also called for the case of C. K. Das to be dealt with in a transparent manner.
Protest At Petropole
At Petropole-Binapole border crossing, West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari led BJP legislators and supporters in blocking cargo movement for 12 hours. Next week trade is proposed to be blocked for five days to 'teach Md. Yunus a lesson'. Business on both sides of crossing has come to a standstill and citizens either way cannot meet their relatives.
C. K. Das Denied Bail Till 2nd January
Dhaka High Court has refused to issue a suo motu order to ban Iskcon. But C. K. Das, failed to get relief as Court has deferred hearing on his bail till 2nd January after prosecution sought more time and added that no defence lawyer was available. Suvendu Adhikari, however, has indicated that lawyers of Das could not appear in Court as they were beaten up by fanatics.
High Court, nevertheless, will soon hear a writ petition seeking a ban on Indian T.V. channels.
Protests against detention of Das now have spread to Assam, Delhi and Meghalaya. More than one thousand monks of West Bengal joined a protest near Petropole check post. Protests will continue till Bangladesh Government stops attacks on Hindus. Protests have continued in Tripura, rather these have taken shape of a 'Bangladesh Chalo Rally'.
Summons To Indian High Commissioner
On 3rd December, P. Verma, India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh was summoned by Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry to protest against storming of their Agartala Consulate. It is presumed that current happenings might have been discussed. But the High Commissioner indicated that 'normal regular exchanges' took place. Bilateral relationship could not be reduced to one issue.
Annual Bilateral Talks
All eyes are now focused on annual bi-lateral talks. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will be in Dhaka on 10th December to participate in Annual Foreign Secretary level consultations. It will take place at a time when bi-lateral relations are under unprecedented strain with continued protests in both countries. Hasina's extradition may also figure.
Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser has admitted that after August 5, relationship has changed and India has to take forward relationship with Bangladesh under these circumstances.
Hasina's Virtual Address
In a sudden turn of events, Sheikh Hasina in her first exile virtual address to supporters of Awami League has accused Md. Yunus of perpetrating 'genocide' and failing to protect Hindus. In her opinion, he has been involved in genocide in a meticulously designed manner with support of student coordinators. Reacting, Md. Yunus stated that Hasina's regime has destroyed everything. He has pledged to hold general elections only after ushering in constitutional and judicial reforms. It has been learnt that Hasina has also addressed a meeting of Awami League in New York through video call. Next she will take part in an on line programme in London.
International Concern
Gradually international concern about violence against Hindus in Bangladesh is picking up. Following a pro-Hindu statement of Donald Trump on the eve of his election, U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman has boldly stated that Yunus Government has an absolute obligation to protect Hindu community. Further, on 2nd November, many British MP's raised concern about violence against Hindus & demanded a statement from British Foreign Secretary. Former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has also strongly condemned violence against Hindus, calling it senseless & horrendous. She has desired robust action for religious freedom.
From Secular To State Of Lawlessness
According to Syed B. Islam, biographer of Mujibur Rehman, Bangladesh is in grip of extremist Islamist elements. Notion of secularism was undermined with assassination of Bang Bandhu, though it was revived on a cautious note by Sheikh Hasina. Since 2001 when Khaleda Zia came to power, temples began to be ransacked and Hindus either went into hiding or crossed over to India. Today it is repeat of 2001. Power is now controlled by those who assumed office in August. Bi- lateral relations have also suffered.
Further, mob culture is on rise leading to troubling important persons- Munni Saha, T.V. anchor, & A. Noor and Subroto Mustafa, former law makers. Journalists are being arrested and media houses are being accused of favouring Awami League. Reports critical of caretaker Government cannot be published.
To sum up, the mess in Bangladesh will not be resolved soon. It may take many years to stabilise & normalise situation to ensure peace and communal harmony. Trade, tourism, education, health, culture & civil supplies, all suffered while bearing the negative impact of a Caretaker Government, trying to put the clock back.
Difference between institutions and individuals must be clearly seen by a Bangladeshi. He may note that U.S. has made an oblique entry and Pakistan is slowly moving closer. Power behind Pakistan is well known. International sympathies are for a limited period. Bangladesh should revert to friendly neighbours to move forward.
(Views are personal. Email: alok.secyskm@gmail.com)