MALAYSIAN businesses have the right to boycott Bangladeshi products, including their workers, if that country does not take any concrete step to protect minorities, particularly the Hindu community, said a business group today.

But first, the Johor Indian Business Association (Jiba) wants Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to warn Bangladesh to stop the atrocities against its minorities immediately.

“Our PM must send a harsh message in urging the interim Bangladesh government to stop the violence against minorities there, failing which he should take severe steps such as stopping the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers. 

“Malaysia can also cut off economic ties with Bangladesh and also stop all imports from Bangladesh, which is reported to be around RM1 billion in 2023,” Jiba president P Sivakumar told The Malaysian Insight.

He said that Malaysia should not stay silent when minorities in Bangladesh are being killed, reminding the prime minister of Malaysia’s stand in support of Palestinians.

He also noted how Malaysians had called for a boycott of Israel-linked products and companies.

“Malaysia should not allow such rampant killings to take place in Bangladesh.

“If Bangladeshis don’t stop their violence against Hindus and other minority faiths there, then Malaysian businesses have the right to boycott Bangladesh products,” he said.

He also said that the employers of millions of Bangladeshi workers here are of different faiths who respect everyone’s lives and rights.

“What would happen if these employers terminate the permits of the Bangladeshi workers over what their countrymen are doing to the Hindus and other multi-religious faiths in Bangladesh?” he said.

“I think our PM should respect the sensitivity of multiracial, multi-religious Malaysians and voice out against atrocities in Bangladesh, and not limit his interference to Gaza alone,” added Sivakumar.

A number of civil society groups and fringe political parties have condemned Anwar for his silence on the suffering of minorities in crisis-hit Bangladesh.

“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,” said Global Human Rights Federation president Shashi Kumar.

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, August 5, 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.

Anwar on Saturday had extended his congratulations to Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus on his appointment as chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government.

The prime minister praised Yunus’ extensive experience, which he believes will guide Bangladesh with wisdom and integrity. – August 12, 2024.