A CIVIL society group has condemned Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his silence on the suffering of minorities, particularly the Hindu community, in crisis-hit Bangladesh.

Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF) president Shashi Kumar expressed disappointment over Anwar’s reticence regarding the ongoing genocide against minorities in Bangladesh.

He noted that Anwar and his government have been vocal in championing the plight of Palestinians, yet have remained silent on the atrocities in Bangladesh.

“It’s been a week since the brutality and barbaric incidents against innocent minorities in Bangladesh began.

“The lack of condemnation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim towards the violence and persecution faced by the Hindu minorities in Bangladesh is particularly concerning.

“While Anwar has been vocal in championing the plight of Palestinians and calling for humanitarian aid to Gaza, his silence on the atrocities in Bangladesh is deafening,” Shashi said.

According to international media reports, the Hindu community in Bangladesh has faced at least 205 attacks in 52 districts, resulting in 60 deaths and 24 people being burned alive.

This wave of violence began on Monday, 5 August, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country, leaving minority communities vulnerable to the brutal violence of extremist groups.

Since then, thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been attempting to flee to neighbouring India to escape the violence and save their lives.

Hindus, who make up around 8% (approximately 13 million) of Bangladesh’s total population of over 170 million, are the largest minority group in the country.

Shashi described the genocide of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh as harrowing and devastating.

Given Malaysia’s active role in organisations such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and its strong bilateral relations with Bangladesh, Shashi stated that the Anwar-led Malaysian government has a responsibility to speak out against the violence and oppression faced by minority communities.

“The government’s failure to raise concerns and condemn these religiously based attacks or racially motivated violence sends the wrong message about the country’s stance towards non-Islamic practitioners in Malaysia.

“As a democratic secular nation and a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Malaysia should voice out against these atrocities and heinous crimes without bias,” he said.

Shashi also criticised both government and opposition lawmakers for not speaking out on the suffering of minorities.

Yesterday, Anwar extended his congratulations to Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus on his appointment as Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government.

The prime minister praised Yunus’s extensive experience, which he believes will guide Bangladesh with wisdom and integrity.

Meanwhile, Yunus unequivocally condemned the ongoing attacks targeting minority communities, particularly Hindus, as ‘heinous.’

“Are they (minorities) not the people of this country? You (students) have been able to save this country; can’t you save some families? You must say, ‘No one can harm them. They are my brothers; we fought together, and we will stay together,’” the renowned economist told students at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur city.

According to journalist Nupur J Sharma of OpIndia, who has personally interviewed victims of these attacks, Hindus in Bangladesh have been living in fear as extremist groups have been making lists of Hindu businesses and houses to be targeted.

The atrocities committed against the Hindu community include murders, burnings, hangings, rapes, and killings of women. Homes, businesses, and Hindu temples have been vandalised, looted, torched, and destroyed, leaving a trail of devastation and trauma. – August 11, 2024.