Hindi English Translation || Editorial || ​Targeting minorities: On the state of Bangladesh

​Targeting minorities: On the state of Bangladesh

Far from reining in majoritarian groups, Bangladesh is pandering to them

Violent protests and clashes (संघर्ष, टकराव), after the arrest of Chinmoy Das, a Hindu monk and leader of one of the newer minority rights groups, that led to a lawyer dying at a Chittagong court are clear proof, if any was needed, that the law and order situation in Bangladesh remains precarious (अनिश्चित, जोखिम भरा). The protests, by thousands from the group representing ‘Sanatani Hindus’ (called the Bangladesh Sommilito Sanatani Jagran Jote), have a key demand — that the Muhammad Yunus-led interim (अंतरिम, अस्थायी) government secures the safety of the country’s 20-million strong religious minorities — Hindus, Christians and Buddhists — who have been targeted by Islamist majoritarian mobs. In more than 2,000 documented acts of violence, at least nine minority members have been killed, ostensibly (जाहिरा तौर पर, प्रत्यक्ष तौर पर, दिखावटी रूप से) in protests targeting supporters of Ms. Hasina’s Awami League party; there is a visible communal angle too. Mr. Das, who has also been associated with the Bangladesh chapter of the ISKCON, highlighted an eight-point list of demands. These include speedy trials for cases of minority persecution (उत्पीड़न, सताव); a minority protection law and a minority affairs ministry, and five-day public holidays for Durga Puja. The government has not responded so far although Mr. Yunus has met with minority representatives and visited the Dhakeshwari temple. Instead, it would seem that Bangladesh forces have been empowered to crack down on all such protests, even if lawful and peaceful. The case against Mr. Das pertains (संबंधित होना, लागू होना) to a group of Hindus who raised saffron flags, allegedly holding them higher than the Bangladesh national flag. The political activist who filed the case of sedition (राजद्रोह, विद्रोह) has since been expelled from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, fuelling suspicions (संदेह, शक) that action on the case was unwarranted. In such a charged environment, the summary arrest and custody of a senior religious figure will only ignite communal tensions.

The actions, as well as a move to push a ban of the ISKCON group through the courts, are also fuelling criticism of the Yunus government. New Delhi has been consistently vocal in asking Bangladesh to protect its minorities, and to refrain (रोकना, नियंत्रित करना) from such heavy-handed treatment of a revered figure. However, due to the Modi’s government’s tense ties with the Yunus regime, these calls have not made much headway. In a stern (कठोर, सख्त) pushback, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry expressed “dismay (निराशा, हताशा) and hurt” at India’s statements, accusing India of “misrepresenting” the situation. The Bangladeshi government also defended the “specific charges” against Mr. Das. If New Delhi wishes to ensure that minorities feel more secure in Bangladesh, it must attempt reopening bilateral channels of communication. India must recognise that its voice will only be respected if it is able to ensure protections and freedoms to all citizens in exactly the measure it advocates abroad, particularly in the immediate neighbourhood, where the risk of religious majoritarianism runs high.

Courtesy: The Hindu

Important Word List With Meaning

1.Clash (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - संघर्ष, टकराव
English Meaning - A conflict or fight; to come into violent disagreement.

2.Precarious (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - अनिश्चित, जोखिम भरा
English Meaning - Not securely held or in a dangerous position.

3.Interim (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - अंतरिम, अस्थायी
English Meaning - Temporary or provisional.

4.Persecution (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - उत्पीड़न, सताव
English Meaning - Persistent harassment or oppression, especially because of race or religion.

5.Pertain (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - संबंधित होना, लागू होना
English Meaning - To relate to or be connected with something.

6.Sedition (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - राजद्रोह, विद्रोह
English Meaning - Conduct or speech inciting rebellion against authority.

7.Suspicion (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - संदेह, शक
English Meaning - A feeling that something may not be right or trustworthy.

8.Refrain (Verb)

Hindi Meaning - रोकना, नियंत्रित करना
English Meaning - To stop oneself from doing something.

9.Stern (Adjective)

Hindi Meaning - कठोर, सख्त
English Meaning - Strict or serious in manner.

10.Dismay (Noun)

Hindi Meaning - निराशा, हताशा
English Meaning - A feeling of shock or distress.

11.Ostensibly (Adverb)

English Meaning - Apparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually.

12.Pander (Verb)

English Meaning - To gratify or indulge someone's weakness or immoral desires.