Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed grave concern over the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, urging global awareness of the dangers posed by religious extremism. Highlighting India’s commitment to secularism, Sarma called for a collective stand against fundamentalism to ensure the safety of minority communities.
Sharing his views on X (formerly Twitter), Sarma wrote, “What is happening to Hindus in Bangladesh should alert all of us. We cannot be safe in a society whose foundation is based on fundamentalism. India is the best example of secularism.”
Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister elaborated on the rising atrocities against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. He emphasized that the plight of minorities in nations founded on religious extremism, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, demonstrates the inability of such states to ensure minority rights. “The ruthless persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh has deeply pained us. Earlier, we witnessed similar atrocities in Pakistan. These incidents highlight the dangers of religious fundamentalism. In contrast, India remains a shining example of secularism and the protection of its diverse communities,” Sarma stated.
His comments coincide with heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh, fueled by viral videos of retired Bangladeshi Army personnel making provocative anti-India statements.
In one such video, a retired official claimed that a core group of 5,100 Bangladeshi soldiers, supported by three million Bangladeshi citizens, could capture key Indian cities like Assam and Kolkata within days. Another video featured a former military officer boasting about the Bangladeshi Army’s readiness to defend its nation and “teach India a lesson.”
Sarma’s statement underscores his call for vigilance against fundamentalist ideologies, reaffirming India’s commitment to secularism and peaceful coexistence. As tensions mount, his words serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the rights of all communities in the face of extremism.