Concerns Raised over Minority Rights and Foreign Ties in Bangladesh

Journalist Sushanta Das Gupta has raised alarming concerns about the treatment of minorities and the strengthening relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Calls for international awareness and intervention highlight ongoing violence and minority struggles, asking for expanded support and action to protect human rights in Bangladesh.

Sushanta Das Gupta, a Bangladeshi journalist and editor of Dainik Amar Habiganj, expressed apprehensions regarding minority treatment and the strengthening Bangladesh-Pakistan relations. Presenting at a press conference in the national capital, Gupta revealed the Bangladesh government's admission to at least 80 violent incidents against minorities.

The conference underscored persistent challenges faced by Hindus, indigenous peoples, and tribal communities in Bangladesh under the current regime, spotlighting 'escalating religious intolerance and violence.' Gupta stressed awareness efforts initiated by campaigns at the UN Minority Forum, emphasizing global vigilance owing to minority vulnerabilities, including Christians.

Gupta raised alarms about Bangladesh's foreign policy shifts, such as visa-free entries for Pakistanis and Pakistani military trainers in Bangladesh, marking an unprecedented historical move. Meanwhile, US-based journalist Sitangshu Guha highlighted the plummeting Hindu population and urged global intervention, advocating sanctions against Bangladesh to defend minority rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)