JAC demands protection of Hindus in Bangladesh

The demand by the Jatiya Hindu Mohajote (JAC) for strict punishment for those involved in the murder of Deepu Das in Bangladesh brings to the forefront a persistent and sensitive issue: the safety and rights of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. This incident, while specific, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities in South Asia and carries significant implications for India-Bangladesh bilateral relations, regional stability, and India's internal policy debates.

**Background Context and Historical Roots:**

To understand the current situation, one must delve into the historical context. The Hindu community in Bangladesh, once a substantial portion of the population, has seen a gradual decline in its numbers since the Partition of India in 1947. East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) witnessed significant communal violence during and after Partition, leading to mass migrations of Hindus to India. The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, in which India played a crucial role, was fought on the promise of a secular, democratic, and socialist nation. However, after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, subsequent military regimes reintroduced religion into politics, weakening the secular fabric. The Eighth Amendment to Bangladesh's Constitution in 1988 declared Islam as the state religion, a move that further marginalized non-Muslim communities. Periodic outbreaks of communal violence, often triggered by political instability or specific incidents, have continued to target Hindus, leading to loss of life, property, and forced displacement.

**What Happened and Key Stakeholders:**

The immediate event is the murder of Deepu Das in Bangladesh, an incident that has prompted the Jatiya Hindu Mohajote (JAC) to demand justice. The JAC is a prominent organization advocating for the rights and protection of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. They represent the collective voice of a community that often feels vulnerable and neglected. The key stakeholders involved are:

1. **Jatiya Hindu Mohajote (JAC):** The primary advocate, representing the interests and safety concerns of the Hindu minority.

2. **Hindu Minority Community in Bangladesh:** The direct victims of violence and discrimination, whose fundamental rights are at stake.

3. **Government of Bangladesh:** Bears the primary responsibility for maintaining law and order, protecting all its citizens irrespective of religion, and ensuring justice for crimes committed. Its actions (or inactions) are crucial in addressing these concerns.

4. **Government of India:** A significant stakeholder due to historical ties, shared borders, cultural affinity, and the potential humanitarian and security implications for India.

5. **International Human Rights Organizations:** Groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch often monitor and report on minority persecution globally, exerting international pressure.

**Significance for India:**

This incident, and the broader issue it represents, holds profound significance for India. Firstly, it directly impacts **India-Bangladesh Bilateral Relations**. India has historically been a strong ally of Bangladesh, and the well-being of minorities in Bangladesh is often a point of discussion in diplomatic engagements. Concerns over minority safety can strain relations, especially if India is perceived as either being too interventionist or not doing enough to protect a community with deep cultural and religious ties to India.

Secondly, it has **Internal Security and Demographic Implications** for India. Persecution of minorities in Bangladesh often leads to cross-border migration, particularly into Indian states like West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. This can create demographic shifts, strain resources, and sometimes lead to social tensions within India. The **Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019**, directly addresses this issue by providing a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities (excluding Muslims) who have faced persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. This incident underscores the very premise on which the CAA was formulated.

Thirdly, it resonates with India's **Constitutional Commitment to Secularism and Minority Rights**. While the Indian Constitution (Preamble, Articles 25-28 on Freedom of Religion, and Articles 29-30 on Cultural and Educational Rights of Minorities) applies domestically, India's foreign policy often reflects these values. The protection of minorities in its neighbourhood aligns with India's broader humanitarian concerns and its role as a responsible regional power. This issue also feeds into India's domestic political discourse, often used by various political parties to highlight issues of communalism and secularism.

**Future Implications:**

Unaddressed grievances and a lack of justice for incidents like Deepu Das's murder can have several negative future implications. It could further erode the confidence of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, potentially leading to more migrations. This could destabilize Bangladesh internally, impacting regional security. For India, it means continued challenges in managing its border regions, potential refugee influxes, and the need for delicate diplomatic maneuvering. It also highlights the ongoing debate about the efficacy and fairness of policies like the CAA. Ultimately, ensuring justice and protection for minorities is crucial for Bangladesh's own secular credentials and for fostering stable, good-neighbourly relations with India.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:**

* **Indian Constitution:**

* **Preamble:** Emphasizes India as a 'Secular' republic.

* **Article 25-28:** Guarantees Freedom of Religion.

* **Article 29-30:** Protects the Cultural and Educational Rights of Minorities.

* **Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019:** Provides a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) who fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan before December 31, 2014.

* **India's 'Neighbourhood First' Policy:** A foreign policy initiative that prioritizes strengthening relations with India's immediate neighbours, making the stability and well-being of countries like Bangladesh paramount.

* **International Human Rights Law:** Bangladesh is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which mandate the protection of minority rights and freedom from discrimination. India's stance often references these international commitments.