BANGLADESH CONTINUES TO BE IN MESS

Bangladesh’s Interim Government has completed more than four months but nothing constructive and positive is happening. Reforms and holding of elections are being talked about for long but people seem to be getting used to such ‘assurances’. On the other hand, attacks and killing of Hindus is proceeding unabated. Proximity with Pakistan in trade and other matters is a fresh development. Mujibur Rahman’s photo has been removed from the currency notes and “Jai Bangla” will no longer be the national slogan.

Muhammed Yunus’s American connection has been divulged with proofs by one English language channel. The way he was ‘planted’ within three days of escape of Sheikh Hasina, will continue to be shrouded in mystery. His tilt towards China and Pakistan are also no longer secrets.

Chinmoy Das’s Detention

Hatred & violence against Hindu episodes got a fresh unfortunate chapter when Iskcon monk Chinmoy K. Das, was arrested at Chattogram and jailed in a ‘sedition’ case. It triggered clashes between his supporters and security personnel that led to the killing of a young lawyer. When two of 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, on the other hand, has taken a stand that minorities were not being targeted and C.K.Das’s arrest was misconstrued.

Indian Bus Attacked

An Indian bus to Kolkata from Agartala via Dhaka was attacked in Bangladesh .A truck hit it, though it was in the correct lane. Thereafter, an auto and bus collided. Bangladeshis raised anti-India slogans and also threatened Indian passengers. People usually prefer this route as it cuts distance, time and expenditure. While via Assam, journey takes 30 hours. Tripura C.M.warned of quick action from India if incidents and atrocities against the minorities did not end.

Bangladesh Consulate in Agartala Attacked

In an unfortunate incident on 2nd December, Bangladesh’s Consulate in Agartala was vandalised after people protesting against persecution of minorities in Bangladesh barged into the office of Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh, ransacked property and raised alarm among Bangladeshi diplomats. However, no one was harmed.

The 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, urging India to take steps to prevent any further act of violence against Bangladeshi diplomatic missions. West Bengal C.M, however, has requested the Prime Minister for his intervention and to seek deployment of an U.N. Peacekeeping force in Bangladesh.

MEA has indicated that the Agartala incident was deeply regrettable. Subsequently, MEA again urged Bangladesh to protect the Hindus and other minorities in the face of threats and targeted attacks and also called for the case of C.K.Das to be dealt with in a fair and transparent manner.

Protest At Petropole Check Post

At Petrapole-Benapole border crossing, West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari led BJP legislators and supporters in blocking cargo movement for 12 hours. Next week trade was proposed to be blocked for five days to ‘teach Md. Yunus a lesson’. Business on both sides of the crossing has already come to a standstill and citizens either way can not 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, at the same time, failed to get relief as Court has deferred his bail hearing till 2nd January after prosecution petitioned for more time and added that no lawyer was ready to represent Das. Suvendu Adhikari, however, clarified that lawyers of Das could not appear as they were beaten up by the fundamentalists.

The High Court, however, has all the time to hear a writ petition seeking a ban on Indian T.V. channels, citing provocative news aired on them.

Protests against detention of Das now have spread to Assam, Delhi, Meghalaya and other states. More than one thousand monks of West Bengal joined in a protest near Petropole check post. It has been learnt that protests will continue till the Bangladesh Government stops attacks on Hindus. Protests have continued in Tripura, rather these have taken the form of a ‘Bangladesh Chalo Rally’.

Indian High Commissioner Summoned

On 3rd December, Pranay Verma, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh was summoned by Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry to lodge protest against storming of their Agartala Consulate. It is presumed that the current happenings might have figured in talks. But the High Commissioner indicated that ‘normal regular exchanges’ took place and that bilateral relationship could not be reduced to one issue.

Annual Bilateral Talks

All eyes were focused on annual bi-lateral talks. Foreign Secretary (F.S.) Vikram Misri, reached Dhaka on 9th December and had meetings with his counterpart, de facto Foreign Minister and Chief Adviser Md.Yunus. At these meetings India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and inclusive Bangladesh was highlighted.

F.S. reiterated Delhi’s willingness to build a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual trust and respect and mutual sensitivity to each other’s concerns.

India was told that there was disinformation in the Indian media about alleged hostile treatment of minorities and that it was not appropriate for other countries to comment on Bangladesh’s internal affairs.

Vikram Misri told the media that two sides had a frank, candid and constructive exchange of views. He conveyed India’s concerns including those related to safety and welfare of minorities.

F.S. Level talks took place at a time when bi-lateral relations are under unprecedented strain with continued protests in both countries. India has conveyed to Bangladesh its concerns about safety and welfare of minorities. Interim government was told to take forward ties in a positive direction.

Bangladesh has requested India’s cooperation for routing hydro power from Nepal and Bhutan through the Indian power grid and to facilitate visas for a significant number of Bangladeshis who visit India every year for tourism and medical purposes.

Hasina’s Virtual Addresses

In a sudden turn of events, Sheikh Hasina in her first exile virtual address to supporters of Awami League on 4th December has accused Md.Yunus of perpetrating ‘genocide’ and failing to protect Hindus and other minorities. In her opinion, Md.Yunus has been involved in genocide in a meticulously designed manner with the 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.

Hasina has also addressed virtually a meeting of Awami League supporters in London on 8th December through phone. She accused Md.Yunus of running a “Fascist regime” that allows terrorists and fundamentalists to act without restraint. Also he was the mastermind behind July-August turmoil. Since 5th August attacks on minorities and their places of worship have been rampant, she added.

Separately, Md.Yunus discussed Hasina’s presence in India with Foreign Secretary of India.He stated that people of Bangladesh were anxious with statements made by her from India, as these create tensions.

International Concern

Gradually international concern about violence against Hindus and mess in Bangladesh is picking up momentum. 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, many British M.P.s raised concern about violence against Hindus & demanded a statement from British Foreign Secretary. Former U.K.Home Secretary Priti Patel has also strongly condemned ongoing violence against Hindus, calling it senseless & horrendous. She has called for robust action to protect life, prevent violence and safeguard 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 the assassination of Bang Bandhu, though it was revived on a cautious note by Sheikh Hasina. From October 2001, ever since Khaleda Zia came to power, temples began to be ransacked and Hindus either went into hiding or crossed over to India. Today it is a repeat of 2001. Syed Islam contends that power is now controlled by those who assumed office in August. There is also a setback in bi-lateral relations.

Mob Culture

Further, Mob culture is on rise leading to heckling and attacks on important persons, such as,T.V. anchors & former lawmakers. Journalists are being arrested and media houses are being accused of aligning with Awami League. Articles & reports critical of caretaker Government can’t be published.

TO CONCLUDE

Mess in Bangladesh can not be eradicated easily.It may take years to normalise.Ensuring order and communal harmony will be a far cry. Trade, tourism, garment industry, education, health, culture and civil supplies, all are suffering while bearing the negative impact of a Caretaker Government.

Bereft of any mandate, the Government is determined to put the clock back.

Much awaited Foreign Secretary level talks were confined to usual diplomatic nuances and the main issue of attack on minorities in Bangladesh did not get the attention it deserved.

Under these circumstances, difference between institutions and individuals will have to be clearly comprehended by a thinking Bangladeshi.He may attempt to understand that U.S.A. has made an oblique entry and Pakistan is surely moving closer. Which power is behind Pakistan can be anybody’s guess.

International sympathies do not last long. Bangladesh should, therefore, REVERT to friendly neighbours to move ahead.

(Alok K.Shrivastava is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim)