The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has called for urgent international intervention to protect Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, warning of an existential crisis for the community. The organization urged the United Nations and global powers to pressure Dhaka into halting the violence.
The appeal came through a resolution passed by the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), RSS’ highest decision-making body, during its annual three-day meeting in Bengaluru. The resolution condemned what it described as “unabated and planned violence” against Hindus by radical Islamist elements, highlighting a sharp population decline—from 22% in 1951 to just 7.9% today.
“The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha expresses its serious concern on the unabated and planned violence, injustice, and oppression faced by the Hindu and other minority communities at the hands of radical Islamist elements in Bangladesh. This is clearly a serious violation of human rights,” RSS joint general secretary Arun Kumar stated while reading the resolution.
The ABPS also urged the Indian government to take “all possible efforts” to protect the “dignity and well-being” of Hindus in Bangladesh while ensuring a “continuous and meaningful dialogue” with Dhaka. The resolution further warned that Bangladesh’s alleged governmental and institutional support for anti-Hindu violence could strain bilateral ties.
“The governmental and institutional support for the violence and hatred witnessed during last year is a serious cause of concern. Along with this, the persistent anti-Bharat rhetoric in Bangladesh can severely damage the relationship between the two countries,” the resolution added.
External Forces Stirring Instability?
The ABPS also raised concerns over external forces attempting to destabilize the region, hinting at Pakistan’s involvement.
“There is a concerted effort on the part of some international forces to foment instability in the entire region surrounding Bharat by creating an atmosphere of distrust and confrontation, pitting one country against another. ABPS calls upon thought leaders and scholars in international relations to keep a vigil on such anti-Bharat atmosphere, activities of Pakistan and the deep state, and expose them,” the resolution stated.
Kumar further emphasized that the 1947 Partition was based on land, not population, and that the original agreement between India and Pakistan included the protection of minorities. He accused Bangladesh of failing to uphold this principle post-independence, leading to ongoing persecution of Hindus.
Despite the challenges, Kumar acknowledged the Indian government’s efforts. “So far, the steps taken by the Indian government are commendable… The Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh cannot be ignored, and if something major happens in the future, we will then decide what needs to be done.”
No Rift Between RSS and BJP Over Party President Appointment
Amid speculation about a delay in appointing a new BJP national president, Kumar dismissed reports of a conflict between RSS and BJP.
“RSS does not hold discussions with BJP on the appointment of the party’s president. It has its own procedure to do it. There is no rift between BJP and RSS over it.”
